A somber mood engulfed C-House Mall in Kitui Town on Friday evening as teachers under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) gathered for a candlelight vigil in honour of their late colleague, Mwalimu Albert Ojwang Omondi, who died earlier this week while in police custody.
Led by KUPPET Kitui Branch Chairman Benjamin Mutia, the educators called for a thorough and impartial investigation into Ojwang’s death. They urged senior police leadership to step aside temporarily to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out its mandate without interference.
“As a union, we are deeply disturbed by the circumstances surrounding Mwalimu Ojwang’s death,” Mutia said during the vigil. “We respectfully urge the Deputy Inspector General of Police to consider stepping aside to pave the way for a transparent and credible investigation by IPOA.”
The vigil was marked by solemn prayers, candle lighting, and messages of remembrance, with teachers holding placards that read “Justice for Mwalimu Ojwang” and “Dignity in Custody is a Right.”
Ojwang, a respected high school teacher and family man, reportedly died under unclear circumstances at the Nairobi Central Police Station. His death has since attracted national attention, with IPOA confirming an ongoing investigation into the matter.
KUPPET leaders said their call for accountability is not just for Ojwang, but for all Kenyans who may find themselves vulnerable within the criminal justice system.
“We are not pointing fingers, but we want to see truth and justice prevail,” added Mutia. “Teachers are watching, Kenyans are watching. We urge IPOA to move swiftly and decisively.”
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and other civil society actors have also expressed concern, calling for institutional reforms to prevent future custodial deaths.
