Albert Ojwang's Family Funds Spark Controversy

The grieving family of the late Albert Ojwang, an X blogger whose death in police custody sparked national outcry, is facing further distress after discovering a significant portion of funds raised for his burial and family support has allegedly disappeared. Relatives claim that over KSh 500,000, contributed by well-wishers through comedian Eric Omondi’s 'Sisi kwa Sisi' initiative, was withdrawn from Albert’s father, Meshack Opiyo’s, M-Pesa account without consent or explanation. This shocking discovery has compounded the family's already immense grief.
According to Albert’s uncle, Polycarp Odhiambo, who shared details in a video by YouTuber Clinton Chirangah Shim, the anomaly was uncovered when his brother attempted to withdraw money but found he needed an ID. Upon visiting Safaricom for assistance and checking the statement, it was revealed that not only was over KSh 500,000 missing from the 'Sisi kwa Sisi' contributions, but also KSh 17,000 from the father’s personal funds. The statement reportedly showed names of those who had made the unauthorized withdrawals, further intensifying the family's shock and dismay.
This heartbreaking incident mirrors a similar case involving another beneficiary of Eric Omondi's fundraising efforts. Boniface Kariuki, a hawker who was fatally shot during recent protests, also saw his family allegedly defrauded. Kariuki’s father had earlier claimed that KSh 200,000 was swindled from him by scammers under the guise of assisting with registration for a new Social Health Authority programme. As of the time of publication, TUKO.co.ke's attempts to reach Eric Omondi for comment on the current situation remained unanswered.
In addition to the public's generous contributions, Albert Ojwang’s family also received high-profile donations. President William Ruto reportedly reached out to Albert’s father via phone, personally conveying condolences and donating KSh 2 million to support the bereaved family. Similarly, ODM leader Raila Odinga is said to have contributed KSh 1 million. However, these significant political donations sparked mixed reactions online. Some Kenyans questioned the continued need for further fundraising, urging the family to return earlier contributions, while others defended the father's decision to accept the substantial support during their time of immense grief. Eric Omondi later publicly expressed feeling betrayed after Albert's father accepted the politicians' donations, adding another layer to the complex situation surrounding the family's financial struggles.