Teachers’ union eulogises slain educator Albert Ojwang, condemns police brutality

Albert Omondi Ojwang. He died mysteriously while in police custody in Nairobi. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Friday, June 13, 2025

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori remembered Ojwang not only as a classroom teacher but also as a bold voice against corruption and social injustice.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has paid tribute to the late Albert Ojwang, describing him as a principled and committed teacher whose untimely death has sent shockwaves across the education sector and the country.

During a candle-lighting ceremony held at KUPPET’s head office on Mombasa Road, union officials, teachers, and members of the public gathered to honour the memory of Ojwang, who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.

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Similar ceremonies were held simultaneously at KUPPET branch offices across the country.

Speaking at the event, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori remembered Ojwang not only as a classroom teacher but also as a bold voice against corruption and social injustice.

He said the incident had highlighted rising concerns over police brutality and the safety of teachers working in hostile and underserved regions.

"The killing of a young, promising teacher who was committed to helping children is simply unacceptable," stated Misori.

"A teacher’s role is not limited to classroom learning or students’ exam outcomes; a teacher is the custodian of values, which, paradoxically, is what Ojwang’s killers accuse him of. He could not have done it any better than he did. He wrote about corruption in this country. By speaking out strongly against it, Ojwang became a model for a new generation of teachers both in and outside the classroom."

KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori leads members in a candlelight ceremony at the union’s Mombasa Road head office, condemning police brutality and calling for a transparent investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang’, whom they described as a dedicated teacher pic.twitter.com/QCyySRCbnc
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 13, 2025

Misori condemned Ojwang’s death, allegedly at the hands of police officers, and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation.

He said the incident had highlighted rising concerns over police brutality and the safety of teachers working in hostile and underserved regions.

"His killing is not only a violation of his rights but also an assault on the national values anchored in Article 10 of the Constitution, which include patriotism, national unity, democracy, and the rule of law,” said KUPPET Secretary General.

He also emphasised that Ojwang had served in hardship areas, particularly in Kwale County, even before being officially employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), a testament to his dedication and passion for teaching.

The Secretary General urged Kenyans to come together in solidarity with Ojwang’s family and other victims of police violence.

He called on the government to ensure justice is delivered and steps taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“As a union, we recognise the pain, the fear, the anger, and the deep despair that many Kenyans are feeling right now. We strongly denounce police brutality, injustice, and all forms of violence. We stand firmly with Mr. Ojwang’s family in demanding a transparent investigation into his killing and full accountability for those responsible,” said Misori.