Eric Omondi Arrested in Nairobi CBD

A photo collage of Eric Omondi, a Kenyan Comedian and activist. PHOTO/ Eric Omondi FB

Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi has been arrested in Nairobi CBD while leading a peaceful protest calling for major changes to Kenya’s governance structure.

Plain-clothes police officers arrested Omondi on Monday, September 7, at the Nairobi National Archives.

The officers handcuffed him before placing him inside a police vehicle.

Footage shared on social media shows the officers arresting Omondi and escorting him to the police vehicle.

Omondi was protesting against what he described as the high cost of Kenya’s governance system.

He wants the number of counties reduced from the current 47 to eight, arguing that Kenya should return to the former eight regions.

He also wants the government to scrap the Senate and Women Representative positions.

In addition, Omondi is calling for the removal of nominated representatives and a reduction in the number of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).

“Reduce the number of counties from 47 to 8, do away with nominated members, scrap the Senate, abolish the Women Reps, and reduce the number of MCAs,” he said during the protest.

Eric Omondi Criticises Cost of Devolution

Omondi said devolution was a good idea but argued that it had failed to deliver the expected benefits to Kenyans.

According to the activist, Kenyans are facing high taxation partly because the government has to fund the salaries and operations of numerous elected and nominated representatives.

He is now urging Kenyans to support his proposed changes through a referendum.

Also Read:Kenya Embassy Issues Urgent Alert to Kenyans Living or Travelling to Three Countries

Petition at National Archives

Before his arrest, Omondi had called on Kenyans to pass through the National Archives and sign his it.

He said the petition would eventually be submitted to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as part of efforts to push for a referendum on the proposed changes.

The arrest brings an abrupt end to the protest, which Omondi had been using to push his call for a leaner and less costly governance structure.

It remains unclear where Omondi was taken after his arrest.Police are yet to issue an official statement on his whereabouts, with authorities expected to provide more details following the arrest.

Also Read:How Eric Omondi Built an Empire Beyond Comedy

Omondi’s Recent Arrests

The latest arrest is not the first time Omondi has been detained while protesting against government policies.

In June 2026, police arrested him at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after he led a protest against the rising fuel prices. During the protest, Omondi and other demonstrators wore yellow vests on the road.

He also faced arrest in 2024 after police detained him outside Parliament Buildings while he protested against the Finance Bill 2024.

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