NAIROBI, Kenya — Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has been released on a Sh100,000 bond after appearing in court over charges linked to a fuel protest demonstration in Nairobi.
Omondi was arraigned on Monday following his dramatic arrest at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on June 5 after returning to the country.
The entertainer is facing charges of obstructing motorists contrary to Section 53(1)(c) of the Kenya Roads Act.
Prosecution Details Protest Allegations
According to court documents, Omondi is accused of unlawfully interfering with the movement of vehicles along Kimathi Street in Nairobi on May 18, 2026.
The prosecution told the court that the comedian allegedly offloaded 120 empty 10-litre plastic jerricans from an Isuzu lorry bearing registration number KAR 508Y, disrupting the free flow of traffic in the city centre.
The incident occurred during demonstrations linked to rising fuel prices and the cost of living.
Defence Terms Charges Baseless
Omondi’s legal team, led by Babu Owino, strongly challenged the charges, describing them as politically motivated and lacking legal merit.
“The charges against Eric Omondi are frivolous, fickle, limping, and vexatious,” Owino told the court.
The defence also questioned the decision by investigators to confiscate Omondi’s mobile phones during the arrest.
“What is baffling is that in investigations of that charge, they have confiscated his phones, and we are wondering whether he placed his phones on the road to obstruct vehicles,” Owino argued.
Lawyers Cite Constitutional Concerns
Members of the defence team further alleged that Omondi’s arrest and detention violated constitutional safeguards.
The lawyers cited Article 49 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which guarantees the rights of arrested persons, including the right to be informed promptly of the reason for arrest and to be released on bond or bail where appropriate.
One of the advocates compared the circumstances of the arrest to the controversial detention and deportation saga involving lawyer and activist Miguna Miguna in 2018.
“This reminds us of how Miguna Miguna was arrested and dragged out of a plane,” the lawyer said.
Weekend in Custody
The defence told the court that police officers at Lang’ata Police Station denied Omondi bail over the weekend despite repeated requests from his lawyers.
As a result, the comedian spent several days in custody before appearing before a magistrate on Monday.
Owino criticised the arrest, describing it as part of what he termed a renewed “Kamata Kamata Fridays” approach targeting government critics and activists.
Activism and Public Profile
Beyond entertainment, Omondi has become increasingly involved in social and economic advocacy through his “Sisi Kwa Sisi” initiative, which supports vulnerable Kenyans through fundraising and charitable interventions.
His lawyers described him as a public figure whose activism has assisted many struggling families across the country.
The case comes amid heightened national debate over freedom of expression, public demonstrations and the rights of activists engaging in protest actions.
Case Returns to Court on June 22
The court released Omondi on a Sh100,000 bond pending further proceedings.
His legal team indicated it would vigorously contest the charges when the matter returns to court on June 22.
