Eric Omondi expresses disappointment after Albert Ojwang’s father thanks President Ruto for a KSh 2M donation, sparking debate over justice, grief, and political influence in Kenya.
Published: June 23, 2025
Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has expressed deep disappointment following a public statement by Meshack Ojwang, father to the late blogger Albert Ojwang, in which he profusely thanked President William Ruto for a KSh 2 million donation and a personal phone call.
The emotional shift comes days after Eric Omondi took a frontline role in comforting the grieving family and leading a national outcry demanding justice for Albert, who died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody. The move by the bereaved father to appreciate President Ruto has ignited heated debate across the country, with many Kenyans fearing that the core pursuit of justice may be overshadowed by political optics and financial handouts.
A Nation United in Grief and Rage
Albert Ojwang’s death shocked the country. A vocal blogger and government critic, he was arrested and later pronounced dead in unclear circumstances while in custody. Eric Omondi, moved by the tragedy, travelled to the Chiromo mortuary to console the family. He shared emotional footage from the visit, which immediately went viral, sparking anger and grief across social media platforms.
Omondi also launched a fundraising campaign to support the family’s funeral expenses, sharing his personal number for M-Pesa contributions. The overwhelming response from Kenyans forced him to later shift to a Paybill system due to transaction limits.
“This was never about money,” Eric had told his followers. “It’s about justice. We want answers. We want reform. We cannot normalize death in custody.”
A Presidential Donation That Divided Opinion
Just when national momentum around the case was peaking, news broke that President William Ruto had personally called Ojwang’s father and donated KSh 2 million toward funeral arrangements. Meshack Ojwang, visibly emotional, thanked the President on camera—a clip that was quickly picked up by major news outlets.
“We are grateful to His Excellency President Ruto for his support and kindness,” said Mr. Ojwang, surrounded by family members. “He has stood with us in this time of grief.”
The gesture, though generous, has not been universally welcomed.
Eric Omondi Reacts: “The Focus Has Shifted”
A visibly disheartened Omondi later took to social media, expressing his pain and frustration at the unfolding narrative. Without directly criticizing the grieving father, he lamented that the spotlight had dangerously drifted from calls for accountability to applause for presidential benevolence.
“We didn’t come here to beg. We came to demand answers,” Omondi posted. “Justice is not charity. A father lost his son—he didn’t win a lottery.”
Supporters of the activist echoed his sentiments. Many Kenyans online warned that the emotional gratitude expressed toward Ruto risked watering down the urgency of the justice campaign. Others accused the State of using money to pacify the family and mute public outrage.
Between Grief, Politics, and Justice
Albert Ojwang’s case has emerged as a critical test for Kenya’s justice system. His death joins a growing list of controversial deaths in custody and alleged police brutality. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over the increasing normalization of enforced disappearances and lack of accountability by security agencies.
Legal experts argue that while presidential assistance is not illegal, it sets a troubling precedent where public sympathy is redirected through handouts rather than structural reform.
“This risks framing such deaths as unfortunate accidents to be mourned with aid, rather than state failures to be investigated,” noted constitutional lawyer Njoki Mwangangi.
Despite the political fog surrounding the case, Eric Omondi remains determined to keep the pressure alive. “We have buried too many sons and daughters without justice. Not this time,” he said in a follow-up video.
Human rights groups, civil society leaders, and online communities continue to demand an independent investigation into Ojwang’s death. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has yet to issue a conclusive report.
As funeral plans proceed with presidential funds and national grief in tow, one thing remains painfully clear: Kenya is once again at the crossroads between truth and tokenism.
