Kenyans have come together to support the family of Albert Ojwang, a digital activist who died while in police custody on June 8. Within three hours of sharing his father’s M-PESA number online, the account reached its maximum limit due to overwhelming donations.
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, received thousands of contributions after comedian Eric Omondi shared the M-PESA number to help support the late activist’s family, especially his 3-year-old son. Many people shared screenshots of their payments on social media, while others encountered failed transactions because the account balance hit the Ksh500,000 maximum allowed by M-PESA.
M-PESA has rules that limit the maximum account balance to Ksh500,000. Users also face a daily transaction cap of Ksh500,000 and a maximum amount of Ksh250,000 per single transaction. When the account reached this limit, many donors received messages saying the transaction could not be completed.
Albert Ojwang was known for his activism in digital rights and social reform in Kenya. He was detained at Nairobi Central Police Station before his death, which has caused widespread concern. A government pathologist confirmed that Ojwang suffered severe injuries consistent with assault, including head trauma, neck compression, and widespread bruising.
The postmortem report showed the injuries were externally inflicted, pointing to violence while he was in custody. Forensic tests are ongoing to provide more information about the cause of death.
Kenyans have used the hashtag #JusticeForAlbert to call for a full investigation and demand accountability. Many citizens are urging police reforms to prevent similar cases in the future. The Director of Public Prosecutions has ordered a thorough inquiry into Ojwang’s death.
Eric Omondi, a popular Kenyan comedian known for his humor and activism, helped bring national attention to the case by sharing the donation number. His support has encouraged many Kenyans to contribute and stand with the family during this difficult time.
The strong response to the donations shows how much Ojwang’s death has affected the nation. His son is now left without a father, but the public’s support demonstrates that his legacy will not be forgotten. This incident has sparked important discussions about the treatment of detainees and human rights in Kenya.
