Eric Omondi's Pledge: Standing With Boniface Kariuki's Family After Death

Comedian and human rights activist Eric Omondi visited the grieving family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a young mask vendor whose death was recently confirmed after weeks on life support at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Omondi, arriving shortly after the confirmation of Kariuki's passing, pledged unwavering support to the family during their difficult time.

Addressing Kariuki's father, Kariuki Nyambura, and other family members, Omondi expressed profound solidarity.

"I'm here with the family of Boniface Kariuki,"Omondi stated, emphasizing his commitment."We will stand with the family of Bonface Kariuki. We will mourn with them, we will comfort them, we will pray with them, we will walk with them, we will bury with them. We will celebrate him as a hero; we will not forget his name,"he affirmed, conveying a strong message of remembrance and support.

The visit comes amidst a cloud of confusion and grief surrounding Bonface's death. His father, Kariuki Nyambura, recounted the agonizing two weeks Boniface spent at Kenyatta National Hospital. He described how the family was repeatedly assured their son was "okay" despite his critical condition.

However, the situation took a grim turn when they were summoned late at night, then again early the next morning, only to be informed that the boy's brain was dead. The family expressed lingering doubts, observing that the hospital machines still indicated his son's heart was beating even after being told he was gone.

"I see here there's a game going on because the machine shows his heart beating, but outside you hear someone has gone,"one of the family members lamented, questioning the circumstances of their kin’s final moments.

Eric Omondi recently spearheaded a public fundraising effort for Boniface Mwangi Kariuki. Omondi, known for his philanthropic endeavors, galvanized Kenyans to contribute towards Kariuki's hefty medical bills and to support his grieving family.

The initiative garnered significant public sympathy and contributions, reflecting a collective desire to assist a young life cut short by the very demonstrations he was trying to earn a living near.

However, a deeply troubling development later emerged regarding the funds collected. Reports indicated that Boniface Kariuki's father, who was reportedly handling the collected money, was allegedly swindled.

The exact details of how the funds were lost remain unclear, with initial reports indicating that he fell victim to individuals who impersonated officials from SHA.

In a recent development offering a glimmer of relief to the grieving family, the Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Health, has announced the waiver of the medical bill for the late Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, which stood at more than Sh800,000.