The family of the late blogger Albert Ojwang has finally responded to growing public claims about the money they received after his tragic death.
For weeks, speculation had spread that a mysterious donor or a government official gave the family Ksh10 million. But during Ojwang’s emotional requiem mass at Ridgeways Baptist Church, the family’s lawyer, Julius Juma, clearly denied this rumour.
He told the mourners that no such amount was given to Ojwang’s father by any single individual.
Instead, the lawyer confirmed that the total amount the family received was Ksh5,060,000, coming from different people across the country.
Among the donors was President William Ruto, who contributed Ksh2 million. ODM leader Raila Odinga gave Ksh1 million, and the rest came from ordinary Kenyans who gave small amounts between Ksh1 and Ksh100.
Juma stressed that transparency was key for the family, and no single person gave more than Ksh2 million.
The family felt it was important to set the record straight after claims went viral, partly due to comedian Eric Omondi’s public comments.
Omondi had suggested that over Ksh10 million could be raised from well-wishers due to public sympathy. But the family clarified that Omondi only gave a hopeful prediction, not a real figure.
On June 24, a family spokesman explained that the comment was misunderstood, and Omondi never claimed that amount had been received.
Slain Teacher and Blogger Albert Ojwang. Photo courtesy/BBC
Ojwang’s death on June 8 caused a national outcry. He was known for criticizing police brutality and exposing misuse of power.
When news broke that he had died under unclear circumstances while in custody, protests erupted across Kenya. Many people demanded answers and accountability.
Things became more tense when President Ruto reportedly called Ojwang’s father. Some assumed that such a call must have come with a large donation, but the family confirmed that only Ksh2 million was sent from State House.
The lawyer reminded Kenyans that every coin given was appreciated, and the family was touched by the support shown to them during such a difficult time.
However, he also said false information could cause confusion and needed to be corrected. Ojwang will be buried on July 4 in his home village of Kakwonyo in Homa Bay County, where thousands are expected to attend the funeral.
While donations have helped the family manage burial costs and other needs, their main focus remains justice.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved murder charges against Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, and three others.
Their attempt to stop the case from moving forward was rejected by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who allowed the case to be transferred to the High Court in Kibera. This court is already handling another murder case involving Talaam and Mukhwana.
Ojwang’s case has become a symbol for many Kenyans of the risks faced by those who speak up against powerful systems.
His family hopes the court process will not only punish those responsible but also help bring changes in the way police treat suspects.
They continue to stay firm, correcting falsehoods and pushing for justice. Even with donations and political attention, the real question still stands: why did a young man who stood up for the truth have to lose his life?
