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Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has opened up on why he chose not to attend the much-publicised fundraiser for Kaluma Boys' father in Othaya on Sunday, September 28, 2025, despite many Kenyans expecting him to show up.
Speaking in Kilifi on Friday, October 3, 2025, Eric said that while he has always stood firmly by Kenyans in moments of need through his Sisi kwa Sisi movement, he deliberately stayed away from the event because he wanted ordinary Kenyans to take the spotlight and lead the show of unity.
He explained that he has often found himself at the centre of similar initiatives, which sometimes shifts attention from the cause to his personality, and he did not want this to happen during the fundraiser.
He noted that his decision was meant to encourage a culture where Kenyans rally behind each other without waiting for a public figure to take charge.
"So when I saw people going for Kaluma's fundraiser, I told myself I will not go, because you cannot always want to take the spotlight everywhere. I was so happy when I heard that people were going there to raise funds, so I told my manager I will not attend. I want that culture to start, the culture of Kenyans saying 'let us go and support so-and-so', not 'let us wait for Eric Omondi'."
The comedian further said that his absence was not due to a lack of concern or support, but rather a deliberate act to ensure that the family and the cause received collective ownership from Kenyans themselves.
Eric stressed that he had already used his platform to highlight the case and had prayed that Kenyans would mobilise themselves, which indeed happened as many travelled by cars and motorbikes to show support.
He revealed that the sight of Kenyans joining hands without his presence convinced him that staying away was the right call.
He also disclosed that he has been in touch with Kaluma's family and is even arranging therapy sessions for the boy's father, underscoring his continued involvement in offering support behind the scenes.
"The truth is, if I had gone there, the spotlight would have been on me, and that is not what it was about. It was about Kenyans coming together. I even spoke to Kaluma recently and he is still not doing well, so I will take his father for therapy."