When thousands of TikTokers, church leaders, and celebrities journeyed to Othaya, Nyeri, to stand with Kaluma Boy and his ailing father, one name was noticeably missing — Eric Omondi.
For many, the comedian-turned-activist has become the face of compassion and grassroots mobilization in Kenya. So, his absence from the now-famous “Operation Othaya” visit raised eyebrows. But as Eric later explained, his decision was intentional — and deeply symbolic.
“I Wanted Kenyans to Shine”
Speaking with raw honesty, Eric Omondi revealed that he chose not to attend because he wanted to witness ordinary Kenyans taking charge — without waiting for him to lead.
“What I’ve been praying for is that Kenyans start to join me,” he said. “So when I saw people going to Kaluma, I told my manager I would not go. Because you don’t want to take the spotlight everywhere. This one was theirs.”
For years, Eric has carried the torch for the “Sisi kwa Sisi” (Us for Us) movement — a call for citizens to lift one another without depending on politicians or public figures. To him, what unfolded in Othaya was proof that the message had finally taken root.
“If I had gone,” he admitted, “the focus would have shifted — everyone would be shouting ‘Eric Omondi! Eric Omondi!’ But this time, it was about Kenyans helping Kenyans. That’s the real victory.”
A Movement Bigger Than One Man
Behind the laughter and comedy, Eric confided that activism has been exhausting. Balancing fatherhood, career, and countless charity drives has taken a toll. Yet seeing others carry the torch brought him hope.
“I’ve been doing this for years — sometimes alone. But now, people are rising. TikTokers went for Kaluma. Maybe next, Instagrammers will rally for a mother with kidney failure. Or Mercedes owners will unite for another cause. That’s the Kenya I dream of.”
Despite his absence, Eric confirmed he has spoken to Kaluma Boy personally and plans to assist in getting his father therapy.
The Dawn of Digital Compassion
The Othaya gathering on September 28, 2025, was a defining moment for Kenya’s online community. Without any politician, NGO, or celebrity organizer, thousands of Kenyans — young and old — traveled to the small village, bearing gifts, food, and funds for 17-year-old Kaluma Boy and his bedridden father.
Kaluma, who rose to fame by sharing his daily life as a caregiver, had moved millions with his raw, emotional videos — from feeding his father to picking tea leaves to pay hospital bills.
The turnout in Othaya was nothing short of miraculous: matatus and motorcycles formed processions through dusty roads, people sang, prayed, and cried together — proving that digital unity could create real-world change.
Even former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria praised the movement, calling it a “symbol of generational empathy” — a reminder that Kenya’s future lies in shared humanity, not division.
A New Chapter of Hope
For Eric Omondi, staying away from Nyeri was not withdrawal — it was a passing of the baton.
“This is what I’ve always wanted,” he said. “To see Kenyans helping Kenyans — without waiting for anyone to tell them to. That’s when you know a movement has truly begun.”
And perhaps, on that day in Othaya, it did.
