President William Ruto personally called the father of the late blogger Albert Ojwang to convey his condolences, marking a rare gesture of presidential empathy following the controversial death of the young teacher while in police custody.
Speaking on Monday, June 16, at his home in Homa Bay, Meshack Ojwang, Albert’s father, confirmed receiving the call and expressed deep gratitude for the President’s concern.
“I want to thank the President for taking my son as his own,” Meshack said. “So many young people have died in recent weeks, but he chose to take up my pain and personally pass his condolences. I’m very grateful for that.”
Albert Ojwang died on Saturday, June 8, while in police custody, sparking a national outcry. His father had spent the past week in Nairobi following up on the case before returning to his village to officially break the news to the community, as per Luo tradition.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who visited the family on Sunday, revealed that President Ruto also offered Ksh2 million in financial support to assist with funeral expenses and family needs.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga also extended his support, contributing Ksh1 million, while the Homa Bay County Government committed to constructing a two-bedroom house for the family.
In another show of solidarity, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja offered the late Ojwang’s widow a permanent and pensionable job. Sakaja also pledged to help purchase land and put up rental houses in Homa Bay to provide the family with a sustainable source of income.
As tributes continue to pour in, the investigation into Ojwang’s death has taken a significant turn. On Monday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat voluntarily stepped aside to allow for transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the blogger’s death.
Ojwang’s case, which has since triggered national debate on police accountability, continues to draw widespread attention, with both government and opposition figures uniting in support of the grieving family.
