Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing fresh criticism after the family of the late Albert Ojwang accused him of failing to honor the promises he made following Albert’s death in police custody.
Albert’s father has now spoken openly about the struggle his family is going through, saying the donations they received after the tragedy are finished and the support Governor Sakaja publicly promised never came.
Mzee Ojwang said life has become difficult again as he depends on small-scale farming to survive. He explained that after the burial and the public attention faded, the family was left to manage on their own.
While many Kenyans came together to support them at the time, that help was temporary. What they needed most was long-term support, especially the kind that had been promised by leaders who stood with them during the painful period.
Albert Ojwang died in police custody in June 2025, a case that shocked the country after reports showed he had suffered serious injuries while in police custody.
His death raised anger and questions across Kenya, with many demanding justice and accountability. During that time, Governor Sakaja stepped forward and made strong public commitments to help the grieving family rebuild their lives.
Among the promises he made was securing a job for Albert’s wife so she could have a stable source of income. He also said he would ensure she got a unit under one of Nairobi’s affordable housing projects.
In addition, Sakaja promised to buy a piece of land for Albert’s parents where they could build rental houses and create steady income for the family.
These were not small promises. They were major commitments that gave the family hope during one of the hardest moments of their lives.
A job for the widow would have helped her support herself and her child. A housing unit would have given her security and dignity.
Land for the parents would have created a lasting source of income and reduced their dependence on farming in old age.
However, according to Mzee Ojwang, none of these promises have been fulfilled. He said the family waited and trusted that the governor would follow through, but nothing happened.
The donations from well-wishers helped for some time, but they eventually ran out, leaving them back where they started.
His disappointment reflects what many Kenyans often complain about when it comes to politicians. Leaders make big promises when cameras are present and emotions are high, but once public attention moves elsewhere, those promises are forgotten.
In this case, the family feels they were given hope only to be left disappointed.
This issue goes beyond one family. It raises questions about honesty and accountability among public officials. When leaders make promises during moments of national grief, people expect those words to carry weight. If those commitments are not genuine, they become nothing more than political performance.
Governor Sakaja’s silence on the matter has only added to the frustration. The family says they are not asking for favors beyond what was already promised publicly.
They simply want the governor to either fulfill his word or explain clearly why the pledges have remained unfulfilled.
Albert’s widow and child continue to face an uncertain future, while his father works the land to keep the family going.
The pain of losing a son has now been followed by the pain of unkept promises.
