A financial report released by the burial committee of the late Luo Benga and Ohangla star Anton Okoth Ochieng, popularly known as Tony Ndiema, has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media.
The breakdown, shared by committee member Kokomoh Victor on Facebook, intended to provide transparency regarding the funds raised and utilized during the musician’s final send-off, but instead, it has left fans and industry peers questioning the committee’s fiscal priorities.
According to the official statement, the committee raised a total of Sh3,930,824. The bulk of these funds came from political leaders and well-wishers, who contributed Sh2,095,500, followed by artists and fans who collectively donated Sh1,367,993. An additional Sh467,331 was raised through a dedicated paybill account.
However, the expenditure report painted a picture that fans and followers online found deeply unsettling. The total cost of the burial amounted to Sh3,932,074, leaving the committee with a declared deficit of Sh1,250.
Perhaps what has rankled the public most is the allocation of funds, specifically the fact that catering services consumed Sh1,678,403, accounting for roughly 43 per cent of the total money collected. In contrast, the direct support provided to the bereaved family was listed at a mere Sh60,300.
The disparity has since prompted an outpouring of anger online, with many netizens arguing that the primary goal of a funeral fundraiser should be to ease the financial burden on the immediate family rather than hosting a lavish event.
“This is too difficult to process. How can millions be raised and spent in this manner, yet Ndiema left behind a family with kids who need to be taken care of? Not even Raila’s funeral was executed in this manner. Despicable!” wrote Monday Beryl.
“It would have been greatly appreciated if at least Sh300,000 from the 3.9 million raised had been set aside for his mother. However, May God bless you for standing with Tony’s family,” added another, Prez Prezzo.
Others went knives out in their condemnation of the committee’s spending choices.
Another user Nyar Abandu noted, “Out of 4m you gave that family 60k. 60k?”
Further in the breakdown, other significant costs listed included Sh630,500 for A-frame tents, Sh491,337 for transport logistics, and Sh321,770 for home repairs at the burial site. A whopping Sh107,000 was spent on a candlelighting event that came prior to the Benga star’s send-off.
The burial itself had come under sharp scrutiny long before the financial accounts were made public. During the ceremony, chaotic scenes erupted during the body viewing, sparking widespread condemnation over how the event was managed.
A viral video circulating on social media showed security personnel struggling to control the massive crowds gathered to pay their last respects to the Ohangla star.
The overwhelming turnout appeared to catch organizers unprepared, resulting in pushing and general confusion as mourners scrambled for a final glimpse of the singer’s body.
Security officers were seen shoving and hurriedly pushing people past the casket, prompting angry reactions from those in attendance.
“Stop pushing people!” one frustrated mourner shouted in the viral video, demanding that security personnel treat the grieving crowd with respect.
Despite the tension at the viewing, fans and colleagues continued to celebrate Ndiema’s immense contributions to the growth of Ohangla and Luo Benga music, remembering him as one of the genre’s most influential performers.
Fellow musicians paid emotional tributes, reflecting on his profound impact on the Kenyan entertainment scene.
Ohangla and Afro-Rhumba musician Prince Indah expressed deep grief, noting, “From the same music industry where dreams were nurtured. From the same grounds of toil where laughter once echoed. This evening we stand united in silence, bound not by festivity but by great loss.”
Musician Emma Jalamo also joined in honoring Ndiema, stating, “On behalf of myself, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of our brother, Tony Ndiema.”
Ndiema was renowned for his dynamic stage presence and his unique blend of traditional Ohangla rhythms combined with contemporary Rhumba influences, earning him a passionate and loyal following across the region.
He passed away on June 30, 2026, following a brief and sudden illness that shocked the regional music scene and was later laid to rest on August 5, 2026, at his ancestral home in Homa Bay County.
