Kenyan comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi has tracked down and personally met the family at the centre of a viral social media outcry after their landlord was filmed removing the door to their house amid a rent dispute.
The incident, which sparked widespread condemnation online, showed a landlord physically dismantling a tenant’s door — leaving the young family exposed to insecurity and harsh weather conditions. Videos of the act quickly circulated on social platforms, prompting public outrage and calls for justice.
Responding to the viral coverage, Omondi launched a search to find the affected family under his “Sisi Kwa Sisi” initiative, an ongoing campaign through which he seeks to support vulnerable Kenyans struggling with housing, income and basic needs.
On meeting them, Omondi identified the family as a young couple — Ishmael and his partner Grace — who are striving to make ends meet while caring for their eight-month-old baby. Ishmael supports his family by selling eggs, while Grace works as a mobile hair salonist.
In footage shared online, the comedian described the family’s difficult circumstances, including how Ishmael had removed their belongings from the insecure house and placed them with a friend because they could not safely remain in the home without a door.
Omondi called on Kenyans to come together to uplift the family, proposing that contributions could help them start small businesses or even build a simple house. He shared Grace’s contact details publicly to facilitate direct support.
“Hey guys, I’ve finally found Ishmael and Grace. They are a young family struggling to make ends meet and they have an eight-month-old baby,” Omondi said in a post. “Team Sisi Kwa Sisi these are people we should come together for. We can help them start a small business or even build them a simple house.”
The call for support saw many Kenyans react on social media, offering ideas such as purchasing a motorcycle to assist mobility for income generation or setting up a salon and laundry business that could create sustainable earnings for both partners.
Netizens also expressed shock at the landlord’s conduct, noting that removing a tenant’s door amounts to a harsh and potentially unlawful eviction tactic, especially without a court order. Kenyan tenancy law generally prohibits landlords from resorting to self-help evictions or removing access to rented premises without lawful process.
While details about subsequent legal action against the landlord are not yet clear, the story has reignited debate about tenants’ rights and landlord responsibilities, particularly at a time when many Kenyans are grappling with rising living costs and housing insecurity.
Omondi’s intervention marks the latest in a series of high-profile social campaigns he has initiated. In the past, he has rallied support for families facing hardship, including raising funds for widows and assisting victims of social injustice.