Comedian and digital content creator Oga Obinna has criticized Albert Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, for publicly accepting and thanking President William Ruto for donations made to the family following the death of the slain blogger. According to Obinna, this move led to a significant decline in public contributions that could have otherwise exceeded KSh 10 million.
Albert Ojwang’s death in police custody sparked nationwide outrage and a surge of support from Kenyans who rallied behind the family, demanding justice and raising funds to assist with the funeral preparations. However, the atmosphere changed after Opiyo appeared on camera thanking President Ruto for his donation of KSh 2 million, as well as a house promised by Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga.
Oga Obinna argued that the acceptance of government donations at that moment was detrimental to the family’s fundraising efforts. Speaking during his show, he said, “If Albert’s dad didn’t take the KSh 2 million donation or the house, the contribution would have surpassed KSh 10 million. When Boniface Kariuki (the mask seller) was shot, Kenyans rallied immensely. But when Albert’s dad publicly thanked President Ruto, Kenyans pulled back. That was not a very smart move at that moment, though everyone has their reasons.”
Obinna also warned of possible tensions during Albert Ojwang’s funeral, predicting that politicians might exploit the event to advance their own agendas, potentially leading to disputes that could overshadow the family’s mourning.
“Don’t expect the funeral to be smooth. Politicians will arrive with their followers and push their interests, forgetting the family’s grief,” he cautioned.
This perspective adds to ongoing conversations about the relationship between public support, political involvement, and the delicate process of seeking justice for victims of state-related violence. Oga Obinna’s comments underscore the complexities families face when navigating both grief and political pressures during moments of national tragedy.
As preparations for the funeral continue, the impact of political gestures and public perception remains a critical factor in how the family’s story unfolds and how Kenyans engage with the call for justice.
