Ruto, Raila donate 3M to bate blogger Albert Ojwang family as probe deepens

President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga have jointly donated KSh3 million to the family of the late Albert Ojwang’, the controversial blogger whose recent death has sparked public outrage and calls for justice.
President Ruto contributed KSh2 million, while Odinga added KSh1 million. The donations were formally delivered to the grieving family on Monday, 16 June 2025, by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during a condolence visit to their rural home.
“This is a gesture of unity and compassion from our leaders at a time when this family is in deep pain,” Governor Wanga said, speaking on behalf of both leaders.
“The President and the Right Honorable Raila Odinga stand with this family. They want justice served.”
In a show of further support, Governor Wanga announced that her office would sponsor the construction of a two-bedroom house for the bereaved family. The project is estimated to cost KSh1.5 million and is expected to commence immediately.
“This family deserves a decent place to call home. We are going to construct a two-bedroom house for them so they can begin to heal and rebuild,” said Wanga.
The death of Albert Ojwang’ has become a national talking point, with questions swirling around the circumstances leading to his demise. Ojwang’, a vocal social media commentator and self-styled political activist, was reportedly found dead under mysterious circumstances, prompting a full-scale investigation.
On Sunday, 15 June 2025, public pressure intensified following the revelation that Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Langat, who has been linked to the unfolding investigation, had agreed to step aside to allow for an independent probe.
Confirming the move, authorities said Langat’s temporary exit was a procedural step to ensure transparency in the ongoing investigation.
“Deputy IG Langat has opted to step aside in good faith to pave the way for a thorough and impartial investigation,” a senior police official told reporters under anonymity.
“The National Police Service is committed to ensuring the truth is uncovered.”
While details surrounding Ojwang’s death remain sketchy, the family has remained vocal, calling for accountability and justice. Family spokesperson Thomas Ojwang’, the deceased’s elder brother, said the support from both political camps had given them hope.
“We appreciate the donations and the attention this matter has received from President Ruto and Odinga,” he said.
“But more than anything, we want to know what happened to Albert. We want justice.”
Raila Odinga, who has previously decried police excesses, is said to have instructed his legal team to follow the matter closely.
Sources within Azimio la Umoja indicated that Odinga views the case as “emblematic of the systemic failures in law enforcement.”
President Ruto, on the other hand, has instructed the Ministry of Interior to furnish him with regular updates on the progress of the investigation, signalling a high-level interest in resolving the case swiftly.
“This is not just about one life lost,” a senior official in the Office of the President said. “It’s about restoring public trust in the justice system.”
The donation and public statements from both leaders are being viewed by analysts as a rare display of bipartisan unity at a time when the country is still politically polarised.
“It’s significant to see President Ruto and Raila Odinga come together on this issue,” said political analyst David Makali.
“It underscores the seriousness of the case and could signal a broader shift toward consensus-building on matters of national interest.”
Human rights groups have also weighed in on the case, urging the government to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrators to book.
“We urge the authorities to act swiftly and transparently,” said Linda Were, a spokesperson for the Kenya Human Rights Network.
“The late Ojwang’s death should not become just another unsolved file. Accountability is key.”
As the Ojwang family prepares for his burial later this week, the nation watches with bated breath. With top leaders pledging support and security officials stepping aside to allow investigations, the family’s demand for justice appears to be gaining momentum.
“This is no longer a private tragedy,” Governor Wanga told mourners. “It is a national concern and justice will be pursued to the very end.”