The family of slain blogger Albert Ojwang has addressed growing public confusion regarding the total amount raised following his death. Speaking on the Obinna Show, family spokesperson Kenneth Ouma clarified that contrary to earlier reports, the total contributions received stand at KSh 5.6 million, not the widely quoted KSh 10 million.
How much money has been raised for Albert Ojwang’s family?
Ouma explained that the family launched an official paybill account on the same day Albert’s autopsy results were made public. “We did a paybill, which we shared with the public. It is the same paybill that Hanifa shared. Kenyan of goodwill, for example, Eric Omondi, also did a paybill in good faith. We have checked the paybill and realised that it leads to the official family account,” Ouma said. He also warned of a fake paybill number circulating online, shared by a pseudo account pretending to be Eric Omondi.
Breaking down the contributions, Ouma confirmed that members of the public donated KSh 2.06 million. President William Ruto contributed KSh 2 million, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sent KSh 1 million. “Eric did not say that there’s 10 million unless I saw a different video. He assumed that we could have KSh 10 million. So as we speak, I can confirm to you that we don’t have KSh 10 million,” he said.
Why did Eric Omondi feel betrayed?
Eric Omondi, who played a significant role in mobilizing support for the grieving family, expressed disappointment after Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, accepted a KSh 2 million donation from President Ruto. Eric has been vocal about holding the government accountable for Albert’s death in police custody. He had hoped the family would reject support from leaders associated with the state, which many blame for Albert’s tragic death.
Omondi had earlier shared the family’s contact details and helped activate the Sisi kwa Sisi paybill, which quickly received generous support from Kenyans.
By Risper Akinyi
