Albert Ojwang's father thanks President Ruto for call, Sh2m contribution

Meshack Opiyo, the father to Albert Ojwang’, has expressed his gratitude to President William Ruto for condoling with the family of the 31-year-old teacher who was allegedly brutalised and killed while in police custody.

According to Opiyo, President Ruto engaged him in a phone conversation to express his sympathies, a gesture he found to be kind coming from the head of state.

“I’d like to thank the President (Ruto) for taking the death of my son, Albert Omondi, like his own. Many have died before and after Albert but he felt something over the death of my son and called me to say sorry. I thank him for that,” said Meshack.

“Raila Amollo Odinga, our elder, also gave me a call from abroad to mourn with us,” he added.

He was speaking today when he hosted local leaders including Homabay governor Gladys Wanga and Kabondo Kasipul Member of Parliament Eve Obara who trooped to his home to condole with the family.

It is during the visit that governor Wanga announced financial contributions from the two leaders totalling Sh3 million.

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“What Agwambo (Raila’s alias) is doing to ensure justice is served is big. He sent Sh1 million to give you (Albert’s father). Our President, William Ruto, called to say sorry as a parent and today he sent me with Sh2 million,” revealed Wanga.

“I will build a two bedroomed  house for Albert’s parents at a cost of Sh1.5 million before the burial,” she added.

Further the family has distanced itself from a court case, relating to the murder, where they were enjoined as petitioners.

“We read in the press that the family has filed a joint petition with a group of politicians. We are not aware and not a party to it. Our lawyer has written to the magistrate to declare that Mzee (Meshack) is not the second petitioner as indicated in the court documents,” said Kenneth Ouma, the family spokesperson.

They also urged for calm during the funeral due to an anticipated high turnout of people during the burial owing to the nationwide attention the death has received.

Yesterday, Meshack returned to Kokwanyo village in Kasipul, Homabay County to officially break the news of the death of his son to his kin as per the Luo traditions.

The family says it will announce Albert’s burial date soon.