Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has said the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody marked the end of his association with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking at the Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyandiwa, Homa Bay County, on Sunday, August 16, Sifuna linked his fallout with the party to Ojwang’s death, saying the incident shaped his decision to distance himself from ODM.
Sifuna said his disagreements with the party began after Ojwang, a teacher, blogger and social media commentator, was arrested and later died while in police custody in June 2025.
“Na kwa sababu tulikua tumeandikiana mkataba na watu wa UDA ya kwamba mauaji ya vijana itasimama siku ile waliua Ojwang’ nikasema hiyo ndio siku yangu ya mwisho kujiunga na wadhalimu, ndio maana mmeona wamenifurusha kama katibu wenu mkuu.”
Sifuna said the commitment he had entered into with UDA figures included an undertaking to end the killing of young people.
Ojwang was arrested at his family home near Homa Bay on June 7, 2025, over social media posts concerning then Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
He was taken to Nairobi and found unconscious in his cell the following day before being pronounced dead at Mbagathi Hospital.
An autopsy found severe head injuries caused by blunt-force trauma, neck compression consistent with strangulation and multiple soft-tissue injuries. The findings contradicted the initial account that Ojwang had injured himself.
His death triggered nationwide protests and intensified scrutiny of police conduct.
A murder case involving police officers and other suspects is ongoing before the High Court, with the circumstances surrounding his death being determined through court proceedings.
Sifuna's remarks came as the Linda Mwananchi convoy entered Homa Bay amid heightened political tensions and disruptions along the route.
The movement's supporters gathered in large numbers in Nyandiwa, with many waving Kenyan flags as the convoy arrived.
Sifuna praised residents for clearing roadblocks that had reportedly been placed along the route.
“Tuliamka asubuhi tukakuta wamefunga barabara lakini nyinyi watu wa Nyandhiwa nataka niwapigie makofi kwa sababu mliingia nyinyi wenyewe mkatoa hiyo takataka walikuwa wameweka kwa barabara, walisema hatuwezi kufika Nyandhiwa hapa ni wapi?”
He also invoked the teachings of former ODM leader Raila Odinga, urging residents to continue defending democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
“Baba alitufunza tuweke uhuru wa wananchi mbele, demokrasia, utawala wa sheria mbele, ila sahii kuna watu wanakisia ya kwamba jamii ya luo wameacha demokrasia na mumechoka kupigania Uhuru.”
Sifuna also challenged claims that Homa Bay had become a stronghold of President William Ruto, asking supporters:
The mobilisation was preceded by several incidents along the route, including the burning of tyres at Oyugis Junction.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati also said his convoy had been attacked at Asumbi Junction while travelling to Homa Bay.
Siaya Governor James Orengo condemned attempts to disrupt the mobilisation, saying the leaders had received a positive reception from residents.
Police were deployed along the route and used teargas in Ndhiwa after a group attempted to block the Linda Mwananchi motorcade.
The convoy later proceeded under police escort, with rallies held in Nyandiwa, Sindo and Homa Bay Town.
Other leaders who joined the mobilisation included Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.
The Homa Bay tour is part of Linda Mwananchi's political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, following rallies across parts of Western Kenya.