Nearly a year after the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, his widow Nevnina Onyango has revealed on Mwelekeo TV the difficult reality she continues to face despite the many promises made by politicians and leaders following her husband’s death.
Her story paints a painful picture of a family left to struggle alone after public attention faded, raising serious questions about leaders who rushed to make promises they never fulfilled.
Among those mentioned is Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, whose pledges to the family remain a source of disappointment.
Albert Ojwang was arrested at his home in Mawego, Homa Bay County, while having lunch with his wife in June last year. Men who identified themselves as officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations took him away.
He was first held at Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station. The following day, news emerged that he had died in custody.
Authorities initially claimed Albert had injured himself by hitting his head against a wall inside the police cell.
His family rejected the explanation from the beginning, insisting that the circumstances surrounding his death required a full and transparent investigation.
The death of the young teacher and blogger shocked many Kenyans and sparked national outrage.
Speaking during the interview, Nevnina recalled the life they shared together before tragedy struck. She described Albert as a loving husband, a devoted father and a man who enjoyed making people laugh. Football was one of his passions, and he was a dedicated Manchester United supporter.
Their final conversation happened while Albert was being transported to Nairobi. Although worried about his situation, he told her he would remain strong and hoped to see her soon.
Those words became their last exchange.
Following Albert’s death, politicians, government officials and public figures flocked to the family’s home. Cameras captured speeches filled with sympathy and promises. Leaders pledged to support Albert’s parents, educate his son, secure Nevnina’s future and provide financial stability for the family.
Johnson Sakaja was among those who publicly offered support, Zack Opondo has been one of the main voices to call out Johnson Sakaja for failed promises.
According to Nevnina, many of those promises disappeared immediately after the burial. Once public attention shifted elsewhere, the leaders who had spoken so confidently were nowhere to be seen.
She says the family was left to deal with grief, financial hardship and a lengthy court process on their own.
While a few commitments were honored, most were not. Homa Bay Woman Representative Eve Obara helped clear Nevnina’s remaining school fees, allowing her to complete her studies. However, promises of employment never materialized.
Despite making efforts to contact individuals who had pledged to help her secure a job, she says she received no response.
Claims that she was given an apartment or income-generating property are also untrue. Nevnina made it clear that she still lives in a rented house and continues to pay rent just as she did when Albert was alive.
The image presented to the public and the reality she lives every day are completely different.Her survival has largely depended on support from ordinary Kenyans, Albert’s friends and well-wishers who continue to contribute towards rent, food and the needs of her son.
At the same time, the family continues to spend money travelling to Nairobi for court hearings as they pursue justice.
The revelations place leaders such as Johnson Sakaja under renewed scrutiny. Making promises to grieving families during moments of national mourning may attract headlines and praise, but failing to fulfill those commitments leaves behind deeper wounds.
For Nevnina, the issue is not only about financial support. It is about honesty and accountability.
Her message is simple: leaders should either keep their promises or avoid making them altogether.
As the search for justice for Albert Ojwang continues, Nevnina remains focused on raising her son and finding stable employment.
Nearly one year later, she is still waiting not only for justice but also for the promises that were made so publicly to become reality.
