By Murugi Ndwiga
Emotions ran high on Friday night as teachers under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) lit candles in honour of their slain colleague, 31-year-old Albert Ojwang’. But amid the sorrow, a bold demand echoed through the crowd: Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat must step aside.
In a heartfelt address during the candlelighting vigil, KUPPET Embu Secretary General, Jacob Njiru Karuraa, called for Deputy Inspector General Lagat to step aside to allow for an independent and transparent investigation into Ojwang’s death.
“We are not just mourning; we are demanding action. Justice for Ojwang’ cannot be delivered under a cloud of doubt,” Karuraa declared.
“We’re not just losing a teacher; we’re losing trust in the system meant to protect us,” he said.
Karuraa also slammed the government over what he described as a “worrying trend of insecurity in the country,” warning that no Kenyan should feel unsafe while serving the nation.
“We cannot mourn in silence while the government drags its feet,” he lamented.
“We want real protection. We want our voices heard,” he added.
Karuraa made a passionate plea to the government to expedite investigations into Ojwang’s murder so that his family can finally receive justice.
With candles in their hands, teachers stood side by side in unity, grieving one of their own and expressing growing fears for their own safety. The message was clear: no teacher should have to work under the shadow of fear.
In a further call to action, Karuraa urged the government to honour existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)—including salary harmonization and enhanced hardship allowances for teachers working in volatile regions.
Ojwang’, remembered as a passionate educator, mentor, and friend, was killed in circumstances that have sent shockwaves across the teaching fraternity and the nation at large.
As the night closed with prayers and emotional tributes, one thing was clear: this was not just a vigil. It was a wake-up call. No more teachers, no more Kenyans should be left unprotected. And KUPPET is determined not to let Ojwang’ become another statistic.