Over KSh 700,000 raised by Eric Omondi through the Sisi kwa Sisi initiative is missing from the families of Albert Ojwang and Boniface Kariuki.
The money, meant to support them after tragic losses, has mysteriously disappeared.
Albert Ojwang’s Family: KSh 500K Disappears from M-Pesa
Many Kenyans came together to help Albert Ojwang’s grieving family raise funds for his burial and general support. Ojwang died mysteriously while in police custody. The fundraiser, coordinated by Eric Omondi under the Sisi kwa Sisi initiative, raised over KSh 500,000.
The money was sent to the M-Pesa account of Albert’s father, Meshack Opiyo. But when he tried to withdraw it, he was unable to do so because he didn’t have his ID. He went to Safaricom for assistance.
There, the family received shocking news: the money was already gone. Even his own personal KSh 17,000 had been withdrawn.
In a video shared by YouTuber Shim, Albert’s uncle, Polycarp Odhiambo, said that upon reviewing the M-Pesa statement, they saw unfamiliar names linked to the withdrawals. None of them were known to the family.
Albert’s father, seen in the video, sat quietly in a chair, overwhelmed and in tears.
According to Odhiambo, all the money had come from Eric Omondi’s fundraising drive. The family is now not only mourning their son but also dealing with the pain of being swindled.
Boniface Kariuki’s Family: KSh 200K Lost to Scammers
The story is tragically similar for the family of Boniface Kariuki. Boniface, a hawker, was shot and killed during recent protests. Like in Albert’s case, Kenyans responded generously. Through Sisi kwa Sisi, Eric Omondi helped raise over KSh 200,000 for Boniface’s family.
But Boniface’s father says scammers approached him claiming they could help him register for the new Social Health Authority programme. Trusting them, he shared access to the money.
They disappeared with the full amount.
Now, both families are suffering from immense emotional pain, heartbreak, and lost funds.
By Vivian K.