The news about the death of teacher Albert Ojwang has not only shocked the country, but also his former school, Kituma Secondary School in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, where he began his teaching career.
Mr Ojwang joined the school in May last year employed by the Board of Management as a Christian Religious Education and History teacher.
His stint at the school was brief, ending in October when he left for Malindi in Kilifi to manage his father's property, before relocating to Homa Bay.
Though his tenure was short, his former colleagues say his presence was not only felt in the classroom, but also on the rugby field where he coached students.
As the school carries on with its daily routine, grief lingers in hushed tones, and in their quiet corners, the teachers tell Nation.Africa that they were struggling to process the loss.
Though many choose to remain silent, the weight of loss is being felt and few could have imagined his life would be cut short in such tragic circumstances.
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The teachers said they fear that the circumstances surrounding his demise are too sensitive to comment about.
Even the school’s principal, Enock Mghanga, declined to speak to the media, citing a directive from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
However, the BOM Chairperson, Robert Ngeti, said he knew Mr Ojwang as a remarkable individual the moment he appeared before them for an interview last year.
He says his eloquence, confidence, and passion were evident, leaving a lasting impression.
Recognising not only his teaching acumen, but also his deep love for sports, he recalled telling the principal that he was impressed by his love for rugby.
Kituma Secondary School where Albert Ojwang taught from May to October last year.
Photo credit: Lucy Mkanyika | Nation Media Group
“During the interview, I whispered to the principal that in this boy we have a rugby coach,” Mr Ngeti recalled.
He says from his early days on the rugby pitch, Mr Ojwang displayed skill and dedication that transformed the team.
“He shared his education journey and how he excelled against all odds. His story gave many students hope,” he said.
His close friend and former colleague, David Bwakali, is among those deeply affected.
Mr Bwakali says he has not recovered from the news and that those who knew him are struggling to reconcile with his death.
“I met him in May last year when he was employed as a BOM teacher here. We had an instant connection because we realised we were alumni of Pwani University. We built a solid friendship quickly and he became more than just a colleague,” he said.
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He says their last conversation has been playing in his mind thinking how the ambitions of his friend have tragically been cut short in such a manner.
Days before the tragedy, he spoke with Mr Ojwang and told him he was looking forward to securing employment with TSC.
“He even asked whether Garissa would be safe if he got deployed there. I advised him to first get into the system before requesting a transfer if necessary,” he recalled.
A few days later, news of Ojwang’s tragic death spread across social media and Mr Bwakali was in disbelief.
“Though we spent little time with him, his influence was immense. His dedication was limitless. It still doesn’t feel real. I'm really hurt. I am even unable to work. I'm emotionally down,” he says.
He was also an influencer and he knew him for his strong online presence and social media campaigns, but he insists he was a peaceful person who never sought conflict, either online or in his personal life.
“He could never hurt anyone either online or physically. We have lost a great soul. As the Kituma fraternity, we share in the sorrow. But justice must be served. We must all raise our voices so that the truth comes out,” Mr Bwakali said.
“His work ethic was admirable and his passion was limitless. We are organising to attend his burial, but there’s an emptiness that words can’t describe,’ Mr Bwakali says.
