A young father and online influencer, Mr. Albert Ojwang mysteriously tragically died while in police custody—a case that has gripped Kenya and raised emotions about police killer squads.
Authorities say he was arrested in Homa Bay and died at Nairobi’s Central Police Station under unclear circumstances, with signs of head injuries fueling public suspicion and anger.
There have also been allegations that the late Ojwang, a recent father of one and teacher was tortured in Karura forest before he went into coma and died.
Sadly, it is also emerging that Albert was the only son to Meshack OpiyoAfter initially claiming he died by suicide, an embarrased police boss later admitted it was murder and apologized for misleading Kenyans.
Two Paybills, One Grieving Family
But far from the heartbreaking tale of Ojwang’s death lies some more drama.
Multiple paybill numbers to support the family have been circulating online, leaving well-wishers uncertain where to send their financial support.
So which one is the real paybill? How did we end up with two paybills meant for one grieving family?
After the death of the young father who was also an only child, Kenyans of good will united in grief and solidarity—launching a vigourous Mpesa fundraiser to support Ojwang’s widow, young son, and elderly parents. However, once the daily Mpesa limit was hit, the family was advised to switch to a paybill account to receive further contributions.
The maximum amount one can hold in an M-PESA account is KSh 500,000. This limit applies to the total balance in the account and also to the maximum amount that can be transacted daily.
And that is when things took a confusing and sad turn that threatens to diminish the good intentions of Kenyans out to support the grieving family.
Activist and philanthropist Hanifa Farsafi was first to step in, sharing a paybill she said was officially cleared by Ojwang’s family.
She posted the paybill number 4699944, insisting it was the genuine collection channel. Hanifa emphasized that the family backed only her designated account.
But it also emerged that veteran comedian Eric Omondi had already begun collecting funds through what he claimed was the father’s linked Mpesa account.
Eric had personally visited Chiromo Mortuary and met Mr. Meshack Opiyo, Albert’s father, while also viewing the body of the late Albert. He then reassured Kenyan donors that he would support the family directly.
After that encounter, Eric went ahead and shared the mobile phone number of Ojwang’s father, which Kenyans started sending contributions. However, the mpesa account quickly filled up and hit the maximum allowed limit of Ksh 500,000.
At this point, the comedian-turned activist stated his intention to seek the family of the late Ojwang’ and discuss the possibility of opening a Safaricom paybill which would take much more contributions unlike an Mpesa number.
It was at this point that Hanifa came out to state that Eric had been taking the family round and round and that there was only one paybill approved by the family.
“I hate to do this. This family is mourning, they’re in pain and haven’t rested a bit. They have clarified about the paybill and it’s the one they gave me and I posted. No one knows about any other paybill, even the family,” she wrote.
A young father and online influencer, Mr. Albert Ojwang mysteriously tragically died while in police custody—a case that has gripped Kenya and raised emotions about police killer squads.
After initially claiming he died by suicide, an embarrased police boss later admitted it was murder and apologized for misleading Kenyans.
“Eric Omondi took the family around I don’t know doing what today , I’ve been communicating with the family the entire day and they’ve just been taken round and round despite clarifying that there’s only one paybill. My God, please let’s let this family have their rest. They said they don’t want to be involved in anyone’s mileage or ulterior motives,” Hanifa shared on X and even posted a video from the family in support of her claim.
After a few hours, Eric then introduced another paybill 247247 (Acc. No. 488987), titled The Late Albert Ojwang Fund.
On X, he asked Kenyans through the Sisi kwa Sisi platform to aim to hit Ksh 10 million which would go towards the late Ojwang’s child, the bereaved mother, and to complete the family’s half-built home.
Eric who was seen seated with the family also shared his own video in support of the new paybill.
A young father and online influencer, Mr. Albert Ojwang mysteriously tragically died while in police custody—a case that has gripped Kenya and raised emotions about police killer squads.
Authorities say he was arrested in Homa Bay and died at Nairobi’s Central Police Station under unclear circumstances, with signs of head injuries fueling public suspicion and anger.
There have also been allegations that the late Ojwang, a recent father of one and teacher was tortured in Karura forest before he went into coma and died.
Sadly, it is also emerging that Albert was the only son to Meshack Opiyo.
s,” Hanifa shared on X and even posted a video from the family in support of her claim.
