Police Officers in Mawego Moved After Rowdy Youths Burned Down Station in Protest of Ojwang’s Death

HOMA BAY COUNTY – The National Police Service has withdrawn and redeployed officers from the now-destroyed Mawego Police Station following violent protests that erupted during the funeral of Albert Ojwang, a man who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.

The dramatic events unfolded on Thursday, July 5, when angry mourners and local residents set the police facility ablaze during Ojwang’s burial ceremony.

The protesters accused officers of playing a direct role in the deceased’s death, sparking widespread outrage that culminated in the destruction of the station.

Albert Ojwang’s death has become a flashpoint for community anger against police conduct.

Ojwang was arrested at his rural home and briefly held at the Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Nairobi Central Police Station, where he died under circumstances that remain unclear.

The case has raised serious allegations of torture while in police custody, with residents demanding accountability for what they view as another instance of police brutality.

The transfer between facilities and the subsequent death have only intensified suspicions about official involvement.

The Mawego Police Station was partially destroyed in the arson attack, with images showing the building engulfed in flames as protesters vented their frustration.

All officers previously stationed at the facility have been relocated to Kendu Bay Police Station as investigations continue into both the arson and the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

Speaking anonymously to local media, a senior police officer revealed that authorities are conducting a comprehensive review to determine whether the area still requires a police presence.

The officer indicated that any decision to rebuild would depend on community needs and might require local contributions.

“If the residents express the need for a new police post, reconstruction might be considered, but any rebuilding efforts may require community contributions,” the officer stated.

The incident has drawn political attention, with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga dismissing reports that blamed local residents for the arson.

She described such claims as misleading, defending the community while the investigation continues.

Several other leaders also spoke in defense of Mawego residents during the burial ceremony, suggesting the incident reflected broader frustrations with police conduct rather than criminal intent.

The National Police Service has pledged full accountability, promising that all officers involved in Ojwang’s arrest and detention will face questioning as part of the ongoing probe.

The service has assured the public that officers found to have played a role in his death will face appropriate action.

Preliminary findings from the investigation will ultimately determine whether the Mawego Police Station will be rebuilt or permanently shut down, marking a potential turning point in police-community relations in the area.