The family of the late high school teacher Albert Ojwang has issued a public plea for restraint following a wave of online backlash after it emerged they had received financial assistance from President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ojwang’s father Meshack Ojwang confirmed that the family received Sh3 million from the two leaders, who expressed their condolences in person. The funds were delivered when Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara visited the family on June 16, 2025.
However, shortly after Mr Ojwang publicly acknowledged the donation, he came under intense criticism on social media, particularly for accepting money from President Ruto, whose administration many allege bears responsibility for his son’s tragic death.
Meshack Ojwang, father of Albert Ojwang, speaks to journalists outside Nairobi Funeral Home on June 8, 2025.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Much of the commentary online has been vitriolic with some accusing Mr Ojwang and the family of betraying the cause by accepting the funds.
“These attacks are unfair and uncalled for. Many Kenyans have come forward to support us during this incredibly difficult time; this contribution was no different. It is part of our Africa and particularly Luo culture to receive help from mourners. The gesture came from empathy and compassion, not politics and this is not a matter for public debate,” said Ojwang’s uncle Herman Opiyo.
He added that grieving families often act instinctively and should not be judged for how they manage mourning. “We cannot turn people away when they come to comfort us. Nor could we conceal a donation that was publicly announced. We accepted it in the same spirit as we would from any other well-wisher,” he said.
As the family struggles to cope with their loss, they have also fallen prey to criminals who exploited their vulnerability. Funds from Ojwang’s father’s mobile phone wallet were illicitly withdrawn by unknown individuals.
According to Mr Opiyo, while the exact amount stolen is unclear, transaction records show that the money was transferred from the account to an unidentified number. The funds included personal savings and contributions from sympathetic Kenyans mobilised in part through comedian Eric Omondi’s Sisi kwa Sisi support initiative.
Mr Omondi, who shared a video appealing for help to support the Ojwang family, explained that several mobile numbers had been used to receive donations after the primary number reached its maximum transaction limit of Sh500,000.
A photo of Voi-based teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
Photo credit: Pool
“He realised something was amiss when he could neither make nor receive calls. It was as if someone had tampered with the phone. We suspect the line may have been cloned or accessed remotely while he was in Nairobi preparing to attend a family funeral,” he said.
The incident occurred just as Mr Ojwang returned home on Saturday morning to attend the funeral of his sister-in-law.
Mr Opiyo did not confirm whether the matter had been officially reported to the police but said he believes that transaction data will shed light on what transpired.
In a further blow, Mr Opiyo revealed that some individuals have since attempted to reverse the donations they had made. “It is deeply hurtful and frankly insulting. We are in mourning. To make a contribution and then withdraw it suggests mockery and disrespect toward our grief,” he said.
The family has announced that Ojwang will be buried on July 4, 2025 at his parents' home in Kakoth Village, Homa Bay County. The funeral service, which will be presided over by a bishop from the Baptist Church, will take place at Nyawango Primary School before the body is moved to the family compound for interment.
Ojwang, who was described as a devout Christian, was a longstanding member of Riwo Baptist Church in his village. Mr Opiyo explained the family’s decision to involve a senior cleric.
“Given the painful and distressing circumstances of Ojwang’s death, we felt it appropriate to invite a bishop to lead the service someone with the spiritual authority to comfort and guide mourners through such a sombre occasion,” he said.
Several improvements are currently being made to the family’s residence. The construction of Mr Ojwang’s house is nearing completion with workers installing timber roofing ahead of the laying of iron sheets. Kenya Power has also connected the family home to the national electricity grid.
Elsewhere, at Mawego Police Station, where Ojwang was initially detained, several officers present during his arrest are being transferred.
Though the timing has drawn speculation, senior officers have clarified that the transfers are routine, prompted by extended postings and community requests for rotation. Some officers have already reported to their new duty stations and are awaiting formal handovers.
The family has also distanced itself from any unlawful activity that might take place during planned nationwide protests related to Ojwang’s death.
“We understand that many Kenyans are planning to demonstrate over various grievances, including Albert’s death. However, we do not support the use of our bereavement as a pretext for violence or destruction,” Mr Opiyo said.
