As Kenyans and the family of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang prepare for his burial, Homa Bay Constituency MP Peter Kaluma has issued a warning to political leaders against hijacking the funeral for politicking.
In a bold statement on his X account, the MP emphasised that the occasion would be a solemn one, intended to honour the life of Ojwang, who hailed from Homa Bay, and not a platform for politicians to make statements or push personal agendas.
“We will send off our son Albert Ojwang soon. It will be our funeral to mourn and pay last respect to our son, not a forum for politics,” Kaluma said firmly.
The MP also warned those who have taken advantage of the teacher’s death for political mileage against attending the burial.
“Please don’t come if you played politics with the sad death of Albert,” the MP continued.
Many times, Kenyan politicians take advantage of such deaths and hijack burial services, turning what was meant to be a peaceful send-off into a political rally.
However, Kaluma has warned against such behaviour, reminding his colleagues that the event will be strictly used to honour and celebrate the teacher, who lost his life under unclear circumstances while in police custody.
The MP did not, however, disclose the exact date of the burial. Meshack Ojwang, the father of the late Ojwang, revealed that the burial would take place soon, as the family allows time and space for the pursuit of justice.
Speaking from his home in Homa Bay County on Monday, June 16, 2025, Meshack said the decision was necessary given the national attention his son’s death has drawn.
“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 said.
Ojwang died in police custody earlier this month after being arrested at his home in Homa Bay in connection with a social media post. His death sparked widespread outrage, with calls for accountability coming from the public and leaders alike.
Kaluma also extended gratitude to members of the public and civil society who have stood by the Ojwang family during what he termed a “dark and painful time,” lauding their efforts to demand justice and protect human rights in Kenya.
