Public Donations for Albert Ojwang Overwhelm M-PESA Account; Eric Omondi Offers Solution
After the nation came together to mourn and support teacher and influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang, Kenyan philanthropist Eric Omondi on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, stepped in to facilitate public donations after the deceased’s father’s M-PESA account reached its limit and many well wishers couldn’t donate.
Albert Ojwang, 31, a teacher and social media personality from Voi, died under unclear circumstances while in police custody and the nation has been sympathizing and demanding justice. The outpouring of support grew after details of his arrest and death emerged and Kenyans wanted to help his family financially.
Within 11 minutes of Omondi posting the bereaved father’s phone number for donations, the account was overwhelmed. Many subsequent transactions failed to go through and well meaning donors were frustrated.
“First and foremost I want to say thank you for the response we have given to Albert’s family through the father; just 11 minutes after I posted that video, Simu ya father imejaa. Anyone who sends anything, God bless you,” said Omondi in a public statement.
To solve the problem, Omondi shared an alternative number for further donations and also advised to use Pochi La Biashara, a mobile service that goes beyond the standard M-PESA personal transaction limit.
He also shared that Albert’s father, Meshack Opiyo, called him personally to express gratitude for the nation’s support, saying the collective love has given him some comfort in this painful time.
Ojwang was arrested on June 7, 2025 in Kakot, Homa Bay County after a complaint by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat who accused him of defamation on social media platform X. He was taken 350km to Nairobi’s Central Police Station and booked at 9:35 pm the same day.
At 3:45 am on June 8, Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell and was pronounced dead on arrival at Mbagathi Hospital. Police initially said he died from self inflicted head injuries but that narrative has been disputed.A postmortem was conducted on June 10 at Nairobi Funeral Home and the report showed blunt force trauma, neck compression and multiple soft tissue injuries, findings not consistent with self harm. Pathologists, human rights observers and the family’s lawyers all saw signs of assault including swelling and bruising on various parts of Ojwang’s body.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating the matter. They have recovered bloodstained items and CCTV footage from the station. Following these findings, Inspector General Douglas Kanja has interdicted several officers including the Officer Commanding Station and the duty officer pending further inquiry.
As the nation mourns and demands justice for Ojwang’s death, Eric Omondi has moved fast to ensure Kenyans can continue to support the family. Meanwhile the IPOA investigation is ongoing and the pressure is mounting for a transparent solution.
Also Read: Ndindi Nyoro on Ojwang’s Death: If You Can’t Take Criticism, Quit Public Office
Public Donations for Albert Ojwang Overwhelm M-PESA Account; Eric Omondi Offers Solution