Comedian Eric Omondi has rallied Kenyans to raise Ksh700,000 for two teenagers who were shot during the anti-government protests staged by the Azimio coalition.
Omondi initiated the fundraiser on the night of Monday, July 24, and by 6:00 AM the following day, he had already raised close to Ksh1 million for the first boy who was reportedly shot 9 times.
After reaching the initial target of Ksh700,000, Omondi revealed that he decided to extend the fundraiser to cover another high school student who was reportedly shot 17 times.
Omondi announced that the fundraiser would persist until they reached the target of Ksh2 million, an amount deemed sufficient to cover all the bills and other essential needs of the two affected families.
“It has been a wonderful event as we have been able to raise the money for the two teenagers, all 19-year-olds,” a grateful Omondi stated.
Additionally, Omondi disclosed his plan to construct houses for the parents of the two boys, both of whom are currently in Form Four.
He added that the remaining cash would be used to start businesses for the families and shop for them.
While announcing that the fundraiser would continue late into the day, Omondi urged Kenyans to chip in with what they could afford.
Omondi further noted that Kenyans in the diaspora had been generous and played a huge part in ensuring that the target was met.
The fundraiser is being held a few days after Omondi raised Ksh400,000 for a man who was arrested during protests in Nairobi.
The arrest was made by a police officer disguised as a journalist prompting the Media Council of Kenya to condemn the incident warning that the trend was likely to put journalists at risk.
During the fundraiser, Omondi revealed that the money would be used to start a business for the man.
Kenyan security officers have come under intense scrutiny for using force while quelling anti-government protests. The United Nations has also faulted the government for failing to rein in officers using excessive force and failing to ensure protesters are protected while exercising their democratic rights.
