Meshack Ojwang’, father of the late teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’, has confirmed that the family received the KSh 2 million donation promised by President William Ruto. In an interview on Breakfast47 Meshack revealed that the amount was deposited directly into his grandson’s bank account, putting to rest all speculation about whether the funds had been delivered.
In a conversation with Radio 47’s Alex Mwakideu Meshack confirmed that the speculation that the family had not received the funds were not true. ”Kuna taarifa ambazo tumeona katika mitandao, kwamba hujapokea ile pesa ambayo uliahidiwa na Rais, ni ukweli ama si ukweli?” Mwakideu asked.
In his response Meshack said, ”Si ukweli ile pesa ilienda kwa akaunti ya kijana ya Marehamu (Albert)”
The conversation continued with Radio 47’s Emmanuel Mashumbe asking further whether the money went straight to Alber’s son’s account or Meshack received it. ”Familia ilipokea pesa lakini inaenda kwa akaunti ya kijana ya Albert?” Mwashumbe asked. Meshack said the money was delivered the same day he had a conversation with the president. ”Siku iyo hiyo pesa ilitumwa” said Meshack.
The contribution followed a personal phone call from President Ruto, who reached out to express his condolences after Ojwang’s death in police custody. “He treated Albert as though he were his own son,” Meshack said, expressing gratitude for the gesture.
The presidential donation came in tandem with a separate KSh 1 million pledge from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga . The family has also received support from local leaders, including Governor Gladys Wanga, who visited them in Homa Bay and pledged to build a new house for Meshack ahead of the burial.
The family has confirmed that his burial will take place on Friday, July 4, following a requiem mass scheduled for Wednesday, July 2 in Nairobi. The funeral ceremony will be held in Kakoth Village, Kokwanyo Location, Rachuonyo East Sub‑county, Homa Bay County, near Nyawango Primary School
”Kufikia jioni ya tarehe 3 mwili utakuwa umefika nyumbani kwao Albert halafu atapumzishwa kesho yake ambayo ni tarehe 4.” he said.
Responding to reports that the family will not bury Albert’s body until they get justice, Meshack Ojwang’ said he believes the government will act swiftly to ensure those involved are brought to justice, allowing the family to find closure.
”Mambo ya haki, iko katika mikono ya serikali na niko na matumaini kuwa haki itatendeka. Haki ya Albert ni kwa Wakenya wote; Albert ameshafariki na hawezi kusukuma hiyo haki na ninatumai kuwa vitengo vyote vya serikali vitachukua hatua kuhakikisha haki inapatikana.” he stated.
Albert died in police custody in what was initially claimed it was suicide but a post-mortem on his body has revealed that his death was likely caused by assault and unlikely to be self-inflicted.
