Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi has offered a candid explanation for his absence at the massive solidarity rally held for TikTok sensation Kaluma Boy in Othaya, Nyeri, last weekend.
While thousands of young Kenyans converged to offer support, Omondi chose not to join them, citing his desire to cultivate a culture of independent, collective action.
The Decision to Skip Othaya
Eric Omondi, who is known for championing the "sisi kwa sisi" (us for us) movement, explained that he saw the Othaya rally as a success for the movement itself, making his presence unnecessary.
Omondi confessed that running his activism alone is tiring, noting that he also manages comedy work and has a young child. He stated that his primary wish has been for ordinary Kenyans to start joining him in supporting their own.
ALSO READ: All You Need to Know About Kaluma Boy, TikToker Who Pulled Crowd to Nyeri
“What I've been praying for is that Kenyans start to join me… so when I saw people going to Kaluma I said I will not go because also you don't want to take the spotlight everywhere.”
Omondi confirmed that he told his manager he would not attend. He intentionally chose to miss the event because he wants a culture of collective assistance to begin.
Pushing for Independent Action
The activist believes his attendance would have shifted the focus away from the true heroes of the day—the ordinary Kenyans.
He argued that if he had gone, the entire focus would have been on him: "Eric Omondi! Eric Omondi! Eric Omondi!". He desired the focus to remain on "Kenyans about Kenyans coming together".
He hopes this successful mobilisation inspires others. He suggested that "tiktokers" went for Kaluma, and perhaps "instagrammers" could unite to help a mother with a kidney problem, or "people of Mercedes" could unite for another cause.
Omondi confirmed that he has spoken to Kaluma Boy recently and acknowledged that the family is still struggling. Despite missing the rally, he stated that they plan to take Kaluma Boy’s father for therapy.
A New Dawn of Digital Solidarity
The national mobilisation in Othaya took place on Sunday, September 28, 2025. It was organised entirely by the online community. Thousands of citizens orchestrated a mass visit and fundraiser to the home of 17-year-old Vincent Kaluma, known as 'Kaluma Boy'.
Kaluma Boy gained national prominence for documenting his life while caring for his father. His father suffered a debilitating stroke in August 2024, which left him in a coma for three months.
READ ALSO: 'Sisi kwa Sisi': How Eric Omondi is Transforming Lives in Kenya
Kaluma Boy’s raw videos showed him tirelessly harvesting tea leaves to earn meagre wages, which were channelled immediately toward expensive medical bills. The family requires costly medicines, weekly catheter changes, and professional therapy sessions.
The massive turnout saw Kenyans travel from different regions. They organised fleets of buses and motorcycle crews, locally known as the Nduthi crew.
This extraordinary display of community power was achieved without any politician’s involvement or traditional organisation.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria later praised the initiative, describing it as a symbol of generational change and empathy.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!