Rachuonyo North Mourners Burn Police Station Demanding Justice for Albert Ojwang

Mawego Police Station in Rachuonyo North, Homa Bay County, was set ablaze on Thursday by mourners protesting the death of teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody. 

The unrest began when mourners, accompanying a hearse carrying Ojwang's body in a transparent coffin, deviated from the planned funeral procession. A large group, including youths and students from Mawego National Polytechnic, insisted on taking the body to the police station where Ojwang had died. A tense, two-hour standoff ensued at Lida trading centre, marked by chants in Dholuo asserting Ojwang's innocence. 

Despite appeals from his father, Meshack Opiyo, and other family members, the crowd marched with the coffin to Mawego Police Station, approximately three kilometres away. Upon arrival, officers had reportedly vacated the premises, anticipating unrest. Mourners forced entry, destroying critical files, including investigation records and witness statements. The station's signpost and roadblock barriers were dismantled. Parts of the station and nearby police quarters were then set alight.

Police reinforcements from neighbouring stations arrived in riot gear but refrained from direct confrontation. They focused on containing the fire, salvaging uniforms, electronics, and furniture. Additional security vehicles were deployed later in the afternoon to secure the area. Authorities are yet to confirm whether any firearms or official equipment were lost.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed that the station's report office and the officer-in-charge's quarters suffered significant damage. A regional team is expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage.