Kenyans have come together in a remarkable show of compassion, raising KSh 750,000 in just a few hours following a heartfelt appeal by comedian and activist Eric Omondi. The funds were collected to support James Muiruri, a grieving grandfather from Gatundu, who lost his 11-month-old grandson under heart-wrenching circumstances believed to be linked to medical negligence.
A deeply emotional video that circulated widely online captured the moment Muiruri, clutching the lifeless body of his grandson, confronted hospital staff at Igegania Level 4 Hospital. The footage showed a distressed Muiruri pleading for answers and accusing medical personnel and a security guard of failing to provide the urgent care that might have saved the child’s life.
According to the family, the baby boy had been named after his grandfather, which added even more pain to their loss. They explained that when they rushed him to the hospital, the child was denied timely admission due to several bureaucratic hurdles, including not being registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and a healthcare workers’ strike. Muiruri shared that he was told to pay KSh 3,600 for registration and penalties before the baby could be admitted. Tragically, the delay proved fatal.
As the baby’s condition worsened, Muiruri requested an ambulance to transfer him to another facility. However, he said the driver refused to assist, claiming he had not received any instructions and was on a tea break. Despite the child being on oxygen and visibly struggling to breathe, no timely action was taken. Moments later, the baby passed away in his grandfather’s arms.
The distressing footage quickly caught the attention of the public, moving Eric Omondi to act. He personally reached out to Muiruri, visited the grieving family in Gatundu, and shared their heartbreaking story on social media. During the visit, he met the child’s mother and offered words of comfort and support, pledging to rally Kenyans to help ease the family’s burden.
In his public appeal, Eric encouraged Kenyans to contribute any amount they could to help the family during this tragic time. He also shared a contact number for well-wishers to send their donations. Within a few hours, the response was overwhelming. Eric later posted an update, expressing gratitude to the public for their generosity and announcing that KSh 750,000 had already been raised.
“God bless anyone who sends anything. May you never lack! The system failed this man. The system fails us, but better days are coming,” he said, calling for continued support for the grieving family.
This isn’t the first time Eric has stepped in to assist Kenyans in distress. In a recent case, he also extended help to a grandmother in Homa Bay who had offered chickens as school fees for her grandchildren. Touched by her sacrifice, Eric committed to supporting the children’s education through university and helped the grandmother start a small business to improve her livelihood.
His ongoing efforts continue to inspire many, shining a light on the power of empathy and collective action during times of need.
