Kenyan comedian and activist Eric Omondi has called on teachers across the country to honour the memory of the late Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody under controversial circumstances.
Albert Ojwang is set to be buried on Friday, July 4, 2025, at his family’s home in Kokwanyo Village, Homa Bay County. Ahead of his burial, Omondi has launched a nationwide tribute dubbed “Mwalimu Friday” in celebration of the educator’s life and legacy.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, July 3, Omondi invited teachers, scouts, and supporters to share video messages of condolence and remembrance in honour of Ojwang, who taught at Kituma Secondary School in Voi, Taita Taveta County.
“Tomorrow is Mwalimu Friday. I visited Kituma Secondary School in Voi, Taita Taveta. This is where our brother Albert Ojwang was teaching. Tomorrow as we lay him to rest, we will celebrate him as a hero,” Omondi posted.
“I am calling upon teachers from across the country to send me short videos with messages of condolence and life celebration with the words ‘Mwalimu Friday’ and ‘Justice For Ojwang.’ Also, send me videos of scouts raising the flag in honour of our fallen brother,” he added.
The final journey
Albert’s send-off began with a requiem mass held on Wednesday, July 3, at Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu Road in Nairobi. His body was later transported to Homa Bay for burial.
His grieving father, Meshack Ojwang’ Opiyo, made an emotional plea for justice during the church service, calling his son’s death a devastating blow to their family.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my only son,” he said. “His innocent blood must not be shed in vain.”
Ojwang’s death ignited national outcry and renewed scrutiny of police conduct after it was revealed that he died in custody shortly after being transferred to Nairobi. He had been arrested on June 7, 2025, from Kakoth village following allegations of online defamation against Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat.
Despite being held over 350 kilometres away at Central Police Station in Nairobi, Ojwang was found unconscious the following morning, on June 8, and was later pronounced dead at Mbagathi Hospital.
A post-mortem report contradicted official police claims that he had harmed himself, instead revealing that he suffered head trauma, neck compression, and multiple bruises—signs consistent with assault.
As the nation prepares to lay the young teacher to rest, the call for justice remains louder than ever. Civil society groups, educators, and rights defenders have continued to demand a transparent, independent investigation into his death and accountability for those responsible.
TOMORROW IS MWALIMU FRIDAY. I visited Kituma Secondary School in Voi Taita Taveta. This is where Our Brother Albert Ojwang was Teaching. Tomorrow as we lay him to rest , we will Celebrate him as a Hero. I am calling upon Teachers from across the Country to Send me short Videos with Messages of Condolence and Life Celebration With the Words “Mwalimu Friday” and “Justice For Ojwang”. Also send me Videos of Scouts Raising the Flag in honor of our Fallen Brother. You can Start sending the Videos Today, I’ll post all of them tomorrow. Send to 0726959111 or Simply Post and Tag me. GOD BLESS YOU🙏🙏🙏🙏 #MwalimuFriday #JusticeForOjwang
Posted by Eric Omondi on Wednesday, July 2, 2025
