Tensions flared in Homa Bay during the funeral procession of slain blogger Albert Ojwang, culminating in the torching of Mawego Police Station—a moment that has since stirred national debate and finger-pointing. Among those drawn into the storm is social media personality 2mbili, who has found himself at the center of controversy after being accused of inciting the crowd that burned down the station.
On July 3, mourners and demonstrators gathered to receive Ojwang’s body. Emotions quickly escalated as the crowd made an unexpected detour with the casket, heading towards the Mawego Police Station—where the late Ojwang was initially held before being transferred to Nairobi Central Police Station, where he later died under unclear circumstances. What began as a solemn farewell turned into a protest against perceived police injustice, culminating in the destruction of property.
Amid the aftermath, former police official Charles Owino accused 2mbili of spearheading the attack on the station, alleging that his influence over the crowd turned a protest into an act of arson. However, 2mbili has strongly denied any involvement. In a candid radio interview, he recalled being present during the events—but only as a mourner.
According to his account, he was recognized by many in the crowd due to his public profile, which actually protected him from harm. He stated that others were being robbed or harassed for filming, while he was allowed to move freely, not because he was leading the crowd, but because people identified with him as a public figure.
“There is even a video of me asking people why they wanted to take the body to the station,” he recounted. He said that when Ojwang’s father was overcome with emotion and confusion, he helped speak to the crowd, urging them to first take the body home out of respect before making any protest statements. He emphasized that, while the situation got out of hand, his role was more about de-escalation than incitement.
2mbili further argued that if he had any intention to incite violence or destruction, he would have done so long ago, pointing to his strong media presence and the trust he commands among his followers. “Why would I ruin that by engaging in criminal activity?” he posed.
As calls for accountability grow louder, 2mbili said he is fully open to cooperating with any legal or investigative procedures. He expressed his willingness to appear before any relevant authorities to clear his name and emphasized that he would never act in ways that harm the nation.
Online, the public is divided. Some dismissed the accusation entirely, sarcastically suggesting that the police station “burned itself,” while others questioned the logic of believing that someone could be carrying a casket and simultaneously torching a building. Comments from various observers suggest deep skepticism toward the official narrative, with many hinting at a broader frustration over recurring incidents of police misconduct and shifting blame.
As investigations continue, the incident remains a painful reminder of the tensions between law enforcement and communities calling for justice.
