Eric Omondi offers alternative solutions as Ojwang’s father’s M-PESA account exceeds transaction limit
Following a wave of support from Kenyans who were moved by the tragic death of teacher and influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang, many well-wishers attempting to contribute to the family were met with a frustrating hurdle: Albert’s father’s M-PESA account had reached its transaction limit.
This outpouring of generosity, though deeply appreciated, left some contributors unable to complete their donations.
Stepping in to address the issue, Kenyan entertainer-turned-philanthropist Eric Omondi on Wednesday, June 11, provided a practical solution to ensure that all willing Kenyans could still offer their support.
Omondi, who has been actively involved in rallying support for Ojwang’s family, thanked the public for their overwhelming response just minutes after he had shared the bereaved father’s contact for contributions.
According to Omondi, within 11 minutes of sharing the phone number, contributions had flooded in so fast that the account maxed out, and subsequent attempts to send money began bouncing back.
“First and foremost, I want to say thank you for the overwhelming 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,” Omondi stated.
Recognising the urgency and desire from the public to continue assisting the grieving family, he offered an alternative number through which funds could be sent.
Additionally, he advised that those still wishing to send money to the original number could do so via Pochi La Biashara, a service that bypasses the standard M-PESA personal account limits.
Omondi further revealed that Albert Ojwang’s father had personally called to express his heartfelt gratitude to Kenyans for standing with him during this difficult time.
The show of unity and compassion, he noted, had given the grieving father immense comfort.
Key updates on Albert’s death
Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and social media influencer from Voi, was arrested on June 7, 2025, in Kakot, Homa Bay County, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following a complaint by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Lagat accused Ojwang of posting defamatory content on X that, according to him, tarnished his reputation.
Ojwang was transferred over 350 km to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he was booked on June 7 under OB No. 136/7/6/2025 at 9:35 p.m.
Less than six hours later, at 3:45 a.m. on June 8, he was found unconscious during a routine cell inspection and rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The police initially claimed that Ojwang died from self-inflicted head injuries caused by repeatedly hitting his head against the cell wall.
However, a postmortem conducted on June 10 at Nairobi Funeral Home, led by state pathologist Bernard Midia, alongside Dr. Caroline Njoroge and representatives from the Police Reforms Working Group and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit revealed a different cause of death.
The autopsy revealed severe head injuries due to blunt force trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries across the head, neck, upper limbs, trunk, and lower limbs – findings that strongly indicated assault rather than self-inflicted harm.
The family’s lawyer, Julius Juma, reported visible trauma, including swelling on the head, nose, and ears, as well as bruises on the shoulders and hands, all inconsistent with the police narrative.
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, stated that the officers provided no clear explanation for the arrest beyond citing an alleged insult to a senior official, and the family was denied access to the cell where Ojwang died.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation, recovering blood-stained items such as white Crocs, a black top, a maroon sweater, and CCTV footage from the station.
In response, Inspector General Douglas Kanja interdicted the Officer Commanding Station, the duty officer, the cell sentry, and the report office staff pending the outcome of the inquiry.
