In a shocking turn of events, eight men who carried the body of Albert Ojwang during a funeral procession in Homa Bay are now facing terrorism charges, leaving the community and observers stunned.
The group, initially released by a Homa Bay court, was re-arrested and transported to Nairobi, where they were charged with terrorism-related offences linked to the arson attack on Mawego Police Station on July 3, 2025.
This development follows the controversial death of Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, in police custody, which sparked widespread protests and demands for justice across Kenya.
The case of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and social media influencer, has taken a dramatic turn with the recent terrorism charges levelled against eight men in Homa Bay.
On July 3, 2025, thousands of mourners, led by youths and students from Mawego National Polytechnic, marched with Ojwang’s coffin to Mawego Police Station, where he was initially detained before his transfer to Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
The procession turned chaotic when the crowd set the police station ablaze, an act of protest against what many believe was an extrajudicial killing. The eight men, identified as key participants in the procession, now face severe legal consequences in a case that has gripped the nation.
Albert Ojwang’s death on June 8, 2025, while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, ignited outrage across Kenya. Arrested on June 7 in Kakoth village, Homa Bay, for allegedly defaming Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat on social media, Ojwang was transferred to Nairobi under controversial circumstances.
Initial police claims of self-inflicted wounds were retracted after an autopsy revealed that Ojwang likely died from assault-related injuries. This revelation fueled public anger, leading to protests and the torching of Mawego Police Station, where Ojwang was first held.
The incident has spotlighted issues of police brutality and accountability in Kenya’s law enforcement system. The terrorism charges against the eight men have sparked heated debate, with many questioning the severity of the accusations.
According to reports, the group was initially released by a Homa Bay court, only to be re-arrested and transported to Nairobi for prosecution. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) alleges that the men orchestrated the arson attack, labelling it a terrorist act.
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, with users expressing shock and describing the charges as an overreach by authorities.
Locals highlight the community’s frustration, with some labelling the situation as “state terror” and calling for justice for both Ojwang and the accused.
For those searching for updates on the Albert Ojwang case, the terrorism charges represent a significant escalation in the ongoing saga. The re-arrest of the eight men, now held at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, has raised concerns about due process and the potential misuse of terrorism laws to suppress dissent.
Legal experts have questioned the legality of Ojwang’s transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi, adding to the controversy surrounding his death and the subsequent protests.
The case has drawn attention from human rights groups, opposition figures, and even Kenyan President William Ruto, who has called for a transparent investigation into Ojwang’s death.
The Mawego Police Station arson, carried out during the funeral procession, was a symbolic act of defiance against perceived police impunity.
Mourners, carrying Ojwang’s coffin, overran barricades and set the station on fire, with no police officers present at the time. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilen condemned the violence, noting that the Officer Commanding Station’s office was among the facilities destroyed.
Despite pleas from Ojwang’s family to allow the procession to proceed peacefully, the crowd’s anger over his death could not be contained, leading to the chaotic scenes that have now culminated in terrorism charges.
As the Homa Bay community continues to mourn Albert Ojwang, the terrorism charges against the eight men have added a new layer of tension.
The funeral, held on July 4, 2025, at Nyawango Primary School, was marked by both grief and defiance, with attendees demanding accountability for Ojwang’s death. Local leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, attended the burial, joining calls for justice.
For those seeking Homa Bay protest updates, the case remains a focal point of national discussions on police reform and human rights. The Albert Ojwang case and the subsequent terrorism charges underscore broader issues of trust between Kenyan citizens and law enforcement.
For those following Kenya police brutality cases, this incident highlights the challenges of addressing systemic issues within the system.
