In just a few days, teacher Albert Ojwang’s mysterious death in a police cell has sparked national outrage as pressure mounts on the government to provide answers.
However, on digital platforms, support for Ojwang's family has been immense, with members of the public sending financial contributions to stand with the family during this difficult time and after the funeral.
His death has united the country, with Kenyans demanding justice.
What has further galvanised the nation is an initiative spearheaded by popular comedian Eric Omondi.
The initiative dubbed Sisi kwa Sisi is an online campaign Omondi launched to support families in distress and facing financial hardship.
In a video shared online on Tuesday, after viewing Ojwang’s body at the mortuary, Mr Omondi urged Kenyans to support the deceased's family financially.
“Sometimes we get carried away with the grief and the funeral and forget the family, how they are coping psychologically, emotionally and financially. I know we cannot bring back Ojwang, but we can lessen the burden for the family and comfort them,” he said.
Mr Omondi appealed to Kenyans to offer financial support by sending any amount to Ojwang’s father, Meshack Ojwang.
In another video shared on Wednesday, he said the initiative had received overwhelming support, with many Kenyans sending money.
According to Mr Omondi, the father began receiving funds within minutes of the first video being posted.
“Just 11 minutes after posting the video, Ojwang’s dad received so much money that his phone account hit its transaction limit,” he said.
Safaricom sets the maximum M-Pesa account balance and daily transaction limit at Sh500,000.
Before June 7, 2025, Ojwang was known primarily on social media.
His posts on X had made him popular, especially in his home area of Kakoth village in Homa Bay County.
“Ojwang is not just a name. He is a victim of police brutality, another young Kenyan silenced by a system that should protect him. And Kenyans are not looking away. They are showing up with their phones, their voices, and their money because they are tired. Tired of injustice. Tired of silence. Tired of seeing their brothers and sisters die without consequence,” one social media user posted.
“It reflects what the State refuses to see: a people united not by politics, but by pain. Not by tribe, but by truth. As the M-Pesa fills, what is really overflowing is public anger, solidarity, and the will to act. Every contribution is a statement: ‘We see Albert. We mourn Albert. And we demand justice.’”
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Mr Michael Kojo, a human rights activist in Homa Bay, said the national response reflects a failure in leadership.
He noted that the massive support for Ojwang’s family shows that many Kenyans have lost faith in the government and public institutions.
“Kenyans have proven that they do not need to wait for government help; they can come together and help themselves,” Mr Kojo said.
He added that the solidarity shown online proves that many citizens are tired of the leaders they elected.
