An emotional interview aired on Mwelekeo TV, the young widow of Albert Ojwang openly shared how her life has been since her husband’s death nearly a year ago. Albert was a 30-year-old man from Homa Bay County who was taken by people claiming to be detectives. He was later found dead in a Nairobi police cell.
The nation was shocked, and many leaders rushed to the family home with cameras rolling. They made big promises of support, justice, and care for the young family left behind. But once the burial was over and the cameras left, most of those leaders disappeared.
Zack Opondo has now publicly reminded people of one of those unfulfilled promises. On his Facebook page, he tagged Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson and asked why the governor has not kept his word to give the young widow a job.
The widow, Nevninah or Nevnina Onyango, has papers and qualifications. She finished her studies in community health development and HIV testing services last year.
During the time of national mourning, Sakaja and other leaders stood before the family and the public and said they would help. They talked about clearing her school fees, giving her employment once she graduated, supporting her young son’s education, and even building rentals or a house so the family would not suffer.
Sakaja must be called out for this. A promise made in public, especially to a grieving widow and her child, is not something to forget once the news cycle moves on.
Nevninah has tried to reach the governor and his office. She has sent messages and made follow-ups, but she says she has received no clear response. She remains jobless and still lives in a rental house, paying the same rent her late husband used to pay. There is no apartment generating income for her, despite some online claims that one was built.
The little support that has helped her survive so far has mostly come from ordinary Kenyans who contributed money and from close friends of Albert who continue to check on her and her son.
Life has been hard. Raising a child who was almost four when his father died is not easy in these tough economic times. Nevninah speaks of the loneliness and the constant pressure of being the only one responsible.
She misses Albert’s presence, his jokes, his love for football, and the way he was there for their son. She still does not have full answers about what exactly happened inside that police cell. The family continues to wait for real justice.
What makes the situation more painful is how politicians used the family’s grief to appear caring in front of the nation.
They came with speeches and pledges when the public was angry and watching. After the burial, the attention faded and so did most of the help.
Nevninah has learned a hard lesson: leaders can promise the world when cameras are present, but afterwards the family is left to struggle alone.
She is still waiting for the job Sakaja promised. She is still waiting for the full support that was publicly declared.
Ordinary Kenyans who dug into their pockets during the hard days deserve credit. They showed more consistency than many of those who stood on platforms and made loud commitments.
A promise is a debt. Sakaja Johnson and others who spoke big words to this young widow and her child need to honour what they said.
The cameras may have moved on, but the family is still living with the loss every single day.
