What led to the torching of the Mawego Police Post?
A wave of public anger erupted in Homa Bay County on Thursday after thousands of protesters stormed and burned down the Mawego Police Post while carrying the coffin of slain blogger Albert Ojwang. The youth-led demonstration escalated during what was initially a planned body viewing at Nyawango Primary School ahead of Ojwang’s burial in Kokwanyo village.
The situation changed rapidly when the crowd intercepted the convoy roughly one kilometre from his home and redirected it toward Lida shopping centre. There, they insisted that Ojwang’s body be taken to the Mawego Police Station, the place where he was first detained after his arrest.
Despite pleas from Ojwang’s father asking the group to stick to the original burial program, the mourners refused and forcefully removed the coffin from the hearse. A tense three-hour standoff followed, after which they proceeded to march with the body to the police post.
What happened at the police station?
Upon reaching Mawego Police Station, the protesters pushed past barricades and set the post on fire. By the time they arrived, the officers had already vacated the premises. The crowd’s actions were a response to the mounting frustration over Ojwang’s death and growing outrage about police conduct in Kenya.
Speaking to Citizen TV, Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilen confirmed that the station and the OCS office were both torched. “The youth’s actions were illegal, and we condemn the destruction of public property,” Koilen said during the phone interview.
Why are citizens angry about Albert Ojwang’s death?
Albert Ojwang’ was arrested at his father’s home last month and initially held at Mawego Police Station. He was later transferred to Nairobi, where he died while in custody at the Central Police Station. His death has sparked national outrage and renewed attention on cases of police brutality, custodial deaths, and enforced disappearances that have surged in recent weeks.
Human rights groups and concerned citizens have pointed to Ojwang’s case as another example of systemic failures in law enforcement accountability. The torching of the police post is being seen not just as an act of grief and rage, but as a symbol of public loss of trust in police institutions.
As Ojwang’ is laid to rest, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure transparency, justice, and meaningful reform within the police service.
By Lucky Anyanje
