The family of the late blogger Albert Ojwang has come forward to clear the air about the total amount of financial support they received following his tragic death.
Addressing ongoing rumors and misinformation, the family’s lawyer, Julius Juma, firmly denied claims that the family was given Ksh10 million by a single individual.
Speaking during the requiem mass held at Ridgeways Baptist Church on Thursday, July 2, Lawyer Juma used the opportunity to clarify the figures in front of mourners, family, and friends.
“It has been said or shared on various media channels that Mzee received Ksh10 million,” Juma stated. “I have been asked to set the record straight, and I am doing so here from the pulpit.”
He emphasized that the total monetary donations received amounted to slightly less than Ksh5.1 million. This figure included contributions from President William Ruto and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
“The family wishes to confirm that they received Ksh2 million from the Head of State, Ksh1 million from Honourable Raila Odinga, and another Ksh2 million from the public—ordinary Kenyans who gave in small denominations like Ksh1, Ksh10, and Ksh100. In total, the contributions added up to Ksh5,060,000,” Juma explained.
Albert Ojwang tragically passed away on June 8 under controversial and suspicious circumstances. His death sparked widespread outrage across the country, leading to weeks of protests and heated conversations online and offline.
In the days following his death, the family faced immense pressure from the public, especially after it became known that President Ruto had personally called Ojwang’s father. This led to more speculation about the total amount of donations the family may have received.
One of the most circulated claims on social media was that Kenyans alone had contributed Ksh10 million.
However, this statement was already debunked on June 24 by the family spokesperson, who clarified that the public had misunderstood what activist and comedian Eric Omondi had said.
According to the spokesperson, Omondi had merely given a rough estimate of how much could potentially be raised based on the enthusiasm and energy shown by supporters following the initial Ksh2 million that had been collected. He never confirmed that Ksh10 million had already been received.
Meanwhile, preparations for Ojwang’s burial are ongoing. He will be laid to rest on July 4 at his father’s rural home in Kakwonyo Village, located in Homa Bay County.
As for the ongoing investigation into the blogger’s untimely death, significant progress has been made. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved murder charges against several police officers.
These include Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Police Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, along with three other individuals.
Last week, the accused officers attempted to delay the start of their murder trial, but their request was rejected by High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
Instead, the judge agreed to a request made by the DPP and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to have the case moved to the High Court in Kibera.
This is the same court where a separate but related murder trial involving OCS Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana is already underway. The transfer will ensure that both cases are handled together for better coordination and administration of justice.
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