Comedian Njugush has taken a bold stance on the glaring disparities in the pace of investigations between the murders of MP Ong’ondo Were and university student Albert Ojwang. In a satirical skit shared on his social media, the thespian called out law enforcement and investigative bodies, decrying the slow progress made in uncovering the truth behind Ojwang’s death. His video, though humorous, carried a heavy dose of truth that struck a chord with many Kenyans.
In the performance, Njugush, joined by his wife Celestine Ndinda, read from a fictional report detailing the investigative timelines of the two murder cases. While narrating the handling of Ong’ondo Were’s case, his tone was fast-paced, reflecting the swift actions taken by the police. Within just two days, authorities had retrieved CCTV footage, tracked down suspects, recovered the murder weapon, and unveiled the amounts paid to those allegedly involved in the assassination of the MP. It highlighted a well-coordinated and highly efficient investigative response.
In stark contrast, the portion covering Ojwang’s case was delivered in a slow, dragging tone, symbolizing the sluggish and muddled nature of the probe. Njugush mocked the official explanation initially given — that Ojwang had simply hit his head against a wall — which was later debunked by a postmortem revealing signs of torture. He further ridiculed the excuse that CCTV cameras were not functional, suggesting a deliberate attempt to obscure the truth.
The comedian also openly questioned the muted reactions from high-ranking political figures, particularly Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. He expressed concern over their seemingly passive approach to the case and condemned the continued tenure of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who has been allegedly linked to the tragedy. Njugush sarcastically referenced these leaders in the skit, implying that the institutions entrusted with justice are either failing or deliberately dragging their feet.
Online, the video triggered strong reactions. Many praised the comedian for using satire as a vehicle for truth, education, and social critique. While some found comic relief in the tragic circumstances, others expressed deep frustration and pain at the state of justice in the country. The skit was widely interpreted as a call for accountability, with Kenyans rallying behind the message that justice must not be selective.
One striking sentiment echoed by many was the notion that investigations into the death of an ordinary citizen seem to move at a painfully slow pace compared to that of a political figure. This growing sense of inequality has fueled public outrage and raised questions about the impartiality and competence of Kenya’s criminal justice system.
In response to growing public pressure, the President eventually released a statement mourning Ojwang’s death. He expressed sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the family, describing the killing as unacceptable and heartbreaking. He also reiterated his commitment to pushing for a more independent and professional police service. However, critics have noted that such promises remain largely unfulfilled, as demonstrated by the delayed justice in Ojwang’s case.
Njugush’s powerful performance has underscored a painful truth — that justice in Kenya can be uneven and influenced by status. Through satire, he has turned entertainment into activism, forcing Kenyans to reflect on systemic failures and continue demanding answers for Albert Ojwang.
