Sammy Ondimu Explains How Ksh725,869 Raised For John Onkendi Was Spent

Philanthropist and police officer Sammy Ondimu has responded to claims surrounding the handling of funds raised for John Onkendi, the Kisii boy who captured the attention of Kenyans in 2018 due to his remarkable football knowledge and admiration for Radio Maisha.

The controversy resurfaced after allegations emerged online claiming that as much as Ksh2.3 million had been raised for Onkendi and that questions remained over how the money was utilized.

In a detailed response shared online on August 16, Ondimu dismissed the claims, insisting that the amount raised through the Standard Group appeal was Ksh725,869, not the figures currently circulating on social media.

“There are allegations going around that I received Ksh2.3 million to build a home for the Onkendi family. That is not true, and I feel it is important to set the record straight,” said Ondimu.

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According to a 2018 letter from Radio Maisha that Ondimu shared, the total amount raised during the John Onkendi Radio Maisha funds drive stood at Ksh725,869.

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The letter tasked Ondimu with overseeing the utilization of the funds to benefit the family.

Ondimu said the money was intended for several projects, including acquiring land, constructing a house, furnishing it, supporting the children’s education and addressing other needs affecting the family.

He explained that after assessing land prices in Suneka, he opted to purchase a plot in Bomariba, about four kilometres away, where he says he built a semi-permanent house for the family.

For those familiar with Kisii, Ondimu said, acquiring a suitable plot in Suneka with the available resources would have been challenging.

He maintained that apart from building the house, the…