NAIROBI, Kenya — In a powerful display of solidarity, Kenyans have swiftly raised a significant amount of money for Meshack Opiyo, father of the late social influencer and teacher Albert Ojwang, just hours after launching an appeal.
The fundraising initiative is being spearheaded by activist and comedian Eric Omondi, who is mobilizing contributions from well-wishers across the nation.
The funds are intended to establish a secure future for Ojwang’s three-year-old son and to provide support for the grieving family, following Ojwang’s controversial death while in police custody.
The appeal, which commenced on the evening of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, saw an immediate and overwhelming response. By midnight, Mr. Opiyo’s M-Pesa account had already reached its daily transaction limit of Sh 500,000, set by Safaricom.
This rapid influx of donations prompted Omondi to share details of an additional Safaricom line belonging to Opiyo, ensuring that more contributions could be made by Kenyans determined to secure a decent life and a lifetime education for Ojwang’s son.
“Let’s stand with Baba Albert. Albert left behind a three-year-old son—let’s ensure he never lacks anything. May he grow up knowing his father died a hero,” Omondi appealed in one of his posts on X (formerly Twitter).
Leveraging his substantial social media following, the comedian’s campaign is anticipated to channel millions of shillings towards supporting Ojwang’s family.
“Hey guys, God bless you for the overwhelming support! Hiyo simu ingine imejaa… Let’s keep sending. You can also send to Pochi la Biashara on the other number,” Omondi further updated in another post late on Tuesday night.
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Influential social media personalities quickly amplified the appeal as activists intensified their efforts to raise funds for Ojwang’s family in anticipation of the upcoming burial.
Omondi himself has a history of leading successful similar drives, having previously raised millions of shillings through social media for bereaved families and various charitable causes.
On Tuesday night, Omondi joined Ojwang’s father at Chiromo Hospital, where the body had been transferred following a postmortem examination conducted earlier in the day at City Mortuary.
Videos circulated online depicted Omondi embracing Mr. Opiyo as they viewed the body at Chiromo Mortuary, with the comedian offering a prayer for the grieving father outside the facility.
