Radio host Alex Mwakideu has strongly criticised nominated Senator Karen Nyamu over her controversial remarks following the death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang. Speaking during a morning radio show, Mwakideu, joined by his co-host Mwashumbe, expressed deep frustration with Nyamu’s comments, calling them insensitive and politically charged during a time when the nation is mourning.
Albert Ojwang had been arrested on allegations of publishing false information online. He was initially detained in Kabondo Kasipul constituency in Homa Bay County and then moved to Mawego Police Station. Later, he was transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi. Just a day after his arrest, reports surfaced that he had died in police custody. The news of his death shocked many, sparking public outcry and prompting leaders and citizens alike to demand answers.
While many leaders called for justice and accountability, Senator Nyamu’s reaction ignited fury across the country. In her statement, she appeared to shift the blame for Ojwang’s death onto the opposition, suggesting they may have staged the incident to tarnish the government’s image. This assertion did not sit well with the public, especially considering the gravity of the situation and the pain Ojwang’s family is enduring.
Mwakideu, visibly upset, addressed the issue directly on air. He urged the senator to be more sensitive and to separate politics from tragic human experiences. Emphasizing the pain of losing a loved one, Mwakideu stated that a family was grieving the loss of their son, and it was inappropriate to use such a moment for political commentary. His co-host Mwashumbe echoed the sentiment, urging the senator not to be petty and to show empathy.
Amid the backlash, Nyamu eventually took to social media to issue an apology. Acknowledging the public outrage, she clarified that her earlier statement was made before the official briefing by the Inspector General of Police. She stated that it was not her intention to downplay the seriousness of the incident or cause additional pain to Ojwang’s family. In her message, she called on the president to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and justice is served. She also pushed for the family to receive compensation.
Adding to the developments, an autopsy report released the same day revealed that Ojwang died as a result of being assaulted. The findings directly contradicted an earlier police statement which claimed the blogger had caused fatal injuries to himself by banging his head against a cell wall. The autopsy, conducted at City Mortuary, ruled out self-harm and confirmed signs of physical assault.
These revelations have only intensified calls for accountability and justice. The nation continues to mourn the loss of a young man whose life ended under suspicious circumstances while in police custody. Many citizens and leaders are demanding transparency, fair investigations, and consequences for those responsible.
