Kenyans fill M-Pesa to support grieving father of slain teacher, Albert Ojwang

When Meshack Opiyo travelled from Homa Bay to Nairobi, he believed he was going to rescue his son. Instead, he was met with horror—Albert Ojwang, his only child, was already dead.

Now, as he struggles with grief, Kenyans across the country are offering him something powerful: support, love, and money through M-Pesa.

The 31-year-old teacher had been taken by police officers who claimed to be acting on orders from Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.

Ojwang’s lifeless body was later found at the Nairobi Funeral Home, with five pathologists confirming he had been tortured and beaten.

"I handed him over to you through the people that you sent to arrest him," said Opiyo in an emotional address.

"I need you to tell me why you killed my son, what sin did he commit to warrant death?"

That raw pain moved Kenyans into action. Many had been asking how to reach the father to help with burial costs.

When comedian Eric Omondi shared Meshack’s phone number, the donations poured in so fast that his M-Pesa account was overwhelmed.

"Hey guys, God bless you for the overwhelming support… the M-Pesa message is full. This is Albert Ojwang’s father’s other number 0113664965 (Meshack Opiyo). Let’s keep sending. You can also send to Pochi La Biashara on the other number 0727927898 (Meshack Opiyo). God bless," Omondi posted.

"Just within 11 minutes of me posting Meshack’s number and it is full. We have managed to get another number, and it will also read Meshack. He has called me and told me, ‘Eric, please tell Kenyans thank you," he added.

On Tuesday evening, Omondi visited Chiromo Mortuary, where Albert’s body lies and met with Opiyo to offer condolences and strengthen the fundraising efforts.

"How many more must we bury? Team Sisi Kwa Sisi let’s stand with Baba Albert… Albert has left behind a 3-year-old son. Let’s ensure he never lacks anything. May he grow up to know that his father died a hero. Send whatever you can to Baba Albert’s number 0727927898 (Name: Meshack Opiyo)," he appealed.

For many Kenyans, this is about more than money; it’s about making noise in a system that too often goes silent.

"Yes, it is compassion but also a roaring cry of rage. A collective heartbreak, a digital uprising," said Isaac Kimtai in a Facebook video.

"Albert is not just a name. He is a victim of police brutality, another young Kenyan silenced by a system that should protect him… Kenyans are not looking away. They are showing up with their phones, their voices, their money."

The timeline surrounding Albert’s death has raised many questions.

He was reportedly taken to Central Police Station at 9 pm on Sunday but was only booked at 1 am.

Just over an hour later, at 2:44 am, his body was received at the Nairobi Funeral Home.

"I educated him and retired so that he could take care of me. Today you’ve broken my hand," said Opiyo, shattered but calling for answers.

He pleaded directly to President William Ruto: "Please, President William Ruto, help me as a Kenyan who pays taxes and do justice to us."