Albert Ojwang was finally laid to rest in his rural home in Homa Bay County on Friday, July 4, nearly a month after his tragic death while in police custody. The burial, while somber and symbolic, has sparked mixed reactions on social media—particularly over the shallow depth of the grave.
Ojwang’s casket was draped in both a Kenyan flag and a Manchester United banner, a powerful statement that connected his identity to both his country and the football club he loved. While many mourned the blogger’s untimely death, others found themselves questioning the simplicity and perceived irregularity of his final resting place.
The shallow grave, in particular, caught the attention of many Kenyans online. From photos and videos shared by mourners, the grave appeared barely deep enough to fully cover the casket—igniting debate over whether it met expected burial standards. Some expressed disappointment, calling it a breach of burial norms, while others viewed it as a reflection of the immense emotional and physical toll the family has endured.
The simplicity of the burial could speak volumes about the family’s emotional exhaustion. Losing a loved one is devastating on its own, but grieving in the public eye, amid national conversations and justice campaigns, can add layers of stress. For Ojwang’s family, this was not just a private farewell—it was also the culmination of weeks of anguish, scrutiny, and public mourning.
Flowers placed beside the grave and the symbolic flags over the casket added meaning to the ceremony. Despite the grave’s appearance, the farewell was filled with personal significance and love.
Online, many shared their thoughts with both sympathy and criticism. One user questioned how there was no proper grave prepared despite the community’s awareness of the burial. Another lamented that something as vital as grave preparation could be overlooked, pointing out public health concerns. Others took a more philosophical stance, noting that elaborate burials do not equate to a dignified death or remembrance.
Some users even recalled similar past tragedies in the area, referencing the burial of another young, educated man who died under mysterious circumstances years ago. These reflections painted a picture of collective mourning that extends beyond just one individual.
Ojwang’s widow, meanwhile, stirred emotions during the ceremony by declining to throw soil into her husband’s grave, a symbolic gesture often part of Kenyan funerals. She also made a call for nationwide demonstrations on July 7, urging Kenyans to stand up for justice.
Ojwang’s father, visibly shaken, shared heartfelt remarks during the ceremony. He spoke about the pain of losing his son and how his dreams for the young man had been cruelly shattered. He also extended gratitude to his in-laws for their support in educating his son and thanked all those who stood with his family during their trying time.
Though modest and, to some, controversial, Albert Ojwang’s burial was a deeply emotional event—both a personal family loss and a symbol of ongoing social justice struggles in Kenya.
