Comedian Eric Omondi has revealed the finer details behind his popular philanthropic initiative ‘Sisi kwa sisi’.
Known for his humor, Omondi has lately stepped into a different role, one marked by compassion, activism, and solidarity with victims of different natures.
“I was inspired by last year’s death of Recks Maasai,” Omondi said in an interview with TNX Africa.
“The mother of Kennedy Onyango, the boy who was shot in the leg, didn’t know where her son was. She didn’t have food or school fees for the boy. She reached out for help with hospital bills, and I already knew the boy was injured before she did,” he added.
Deeply touched by her situation, Omondi decided to extend his support beyond one family.
He launched a fundraising initiative aimed at helping parents who’ve suffered unplanned tragedies during the protests, either through the death or injury of their children.
“These parents are often out hustling, or some are even participating in demonstrations when tragedy strikes,” he said.
Despite facing criticism from some fans, Omondi has remained committed to the cause, which he says is deeply personal.
“My brother’s death also inspired me, and some personal issues I can relate to with these parents,” he said, referring to Fred Omondi, a popular comedian who passed away a year ago.
‘Sisi kwa sisi’ initiative became increasingly popular after rallying Kenyans to construct a bridge in Kisii.
This followed a viral video of a young school girl named Kemunto crossing a dangerous, dilapidated bridge
Following the initiative’s intervention, Kenyans rallied together, and a new, sturdy footbridge, named “Kemunto Bridge,” was constructed, significantly improving safety and access for Nyakumbati Village.
The initiative would later also clear a Sh1.4 million bill for popular artiste Peter ‘Miracle Baby’.
The funds, Eric said, are crowdfunded with no external support.
“Kenyans are funding it on a daily basis. Mutua, who had been auctioned, was funded over Sh800,000 by Kenyans. It is Kenyans for Kenyans,” he said.
Omondi also opened up about the toll this work has taken on him emotionally and mentally, saying he has seen the worst, badly injured victims, bodies in the mortuary, and inconsolable mothers.
“Consoling crying mothers and many other sensitive things, what I do for therapy is pray so I can get peace from those terrible things I witnessed,” he shared.
In times of national crisis, Omondi believes support doesn’t always have to be loud.
“Sometimes it’s the quiet acts of kindness that matter most,” he said. “I would urge community members to show up in whatever way they can,” he said.