As Kenyans and Ojwang's family prepare for his final send-off, a powerful and unequivocal message has been issued by Homa Bay Constituency MP Peter Kaluma: a stern warning to political leaders against hijacking the solemn occasion for personal politicking.
In a bold statement shared on his X account, MP Kaluma left no room for ambiguity: "Please don’t come if you played politics with the sad death of Albert." This direct challenge serves as the central pillar of his appeal, emphasizing that the funeral of Albert Ojwang, a beloved son of Homa Bay, will be a strictly solemn affair. It is intended to honor a life tragically cut short and to allow the community to mourn and pay their last respects, not to serve as a platform for political statements or the advancement of personal agendas.
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The MP's warning resonates deeply within the Kenyan political landscape, where it is an unfortunate but frequent occurrence for politicians to capitalize on public tragedies. Funerals, which are meant to be peaceful send-offs, are often hijacked and transformed into impromptu political rallies, undermining the sanctity of the occasion and the grief of the bereaved families. Kaluma's firm stance directly confronts this pervasive behavior, reminding his colleagues of the sanctity of the event and its sole purpose: to honor and celebrate the life of a teacher who died under circumstances that have ignited nationwide outrage.
The death of Albert Ojwang in police custody earlier this month, following his arrest at his Homa Bay home in connection with a social media post, sparked widespread condemnation. Calls for accountability have poured in from all corners of society, uniting the public and various leaders in a collective demand for justice. It is this intense public scrutiny and the family's unwavering pursuit of answers that shape the atmosphere surrounding Ojwang's impending burial.
Meshack Ojwang, the grieving father of the late Albert Ojwang, echoed the sentiment of prioritizing justice over haste. Speaking from his home in Homa Bay County on Monday, June 16, 2025, Meshack revealed that the exact date for the burial has not yet been set. This deliberate delay is a poignant reflection of the family's commitment to ensuring that his son receives the justice he deserves before his final rest. "I have not set a date for the send-off of my son because I am waiting to ensure my son gets the justice that he deserves," he stated, underscoring the deep pain and unwavering resolve of a father seeking accountability. The national attention drawn by his son's death has, in a tragic way, amplified this pursuit of justice, turning a personal tragedy into a national discourse on police accountability and human rights.
MP Kaluma also took the opportunity to extend heartfelt gratitude to the countless members of the public and various civil society organizations who have tirelessly stood by the Ojwang family during what he termed a "dark and painful time." He lauded their unwavering efforts to demand justice and tirelessly protect human rights across Kenya. This acknowledgment highlights the critical role played by civil society and ordinary citizens in holding institutions accountable and advocating for fundamental freedoms.
As Homa Bay prepares to bid farewell to Albert Ojwang, MP Kaluma's resolute message serves as a crucial reminder for all political actors: that certain moments transcend partisan divides and personal ambitions. The funeral of Albert Ojwang is not a political stage, but a sacred space for mourning, remembrance, and a collective demand for justice that resonates far beyond the confines of a single ceremony. The nation watches, hoping that this solemn send-off will indeed mark a step towards accountability and the protection of human rights in Kenya.
