Comedian-cum activist Eric Omondi says he has been arrested.
Omondi on Sunday, October 20, 2024, announced the news of his arrest, as police thwarted his planned Mashujaa Day parallel rally at Uhuru Park, aimed at honouring and remembering Kenyans who lost their lives during the Gen Z-led protests in June and July this year.
“Arrested,” Omondi announced in a statement shared via his official X account.
Arrested
— ERIC OMONDI (@ericomondi_) October 20, 2024
Police on Sunday engaged in running battles with a section of Kenyans who sought entry into the historical Uhuru Park as Kenya marked the 61st Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Blocked from Uhuru Park
Earlier on, activist Boniface Mwangi revealed that he had been blocked from accessing Uhuru Park as he tried to drive past the entry gate while in the company of his family.
According to Mwangi, the police officers who stopped him had informed him that they were doing so on ‘strict orders from above.’
“Good morning from Uhuru Park. We have been stopped from accessing Uhuru Park. The dictator is so scared. He has deployed police officers, and I was told we are not allowed in there.
“I was with my wife and children. The police officers and county employees manning the gate said they’re simply following orders. A park named Freedom, but there is no freedom in Kenya today. Our forefathers didn’t fight and die for freedom so that one insecure individual man, Ruto, could lord over us,” Mwangi stated.
Good morning from Uhuru Park. We have been stopped from accessing Uhuru Park. The dictator is so scared that he won’t allow Kenyans to gather and remember those he murdered. He has deployed police officers, and l was told we are not allowed in there. I was with my wife, and… pic.twitter.com/QlAUyMVeNI
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) October 20, 2024
Omondi instructs Kenyans
In a video posted on X on Saturday, October 19, Eric urged Kenyans to arrive at Uhuru Park as early as 6 AM.
“Tomorrow, Sunday, I am urging and requesting Kenyans from all walks of life to meet at Uhuru Park from 6 AM to 3 PM. We will be celebrating our fallen heroes, brothers, and sisters who died during the protests,” he said.
Omondi, who has transitioned from entertainment to activism, provided specific instructions for attendees.
Participants were required to carry a candle, wear black attire, and bring the Kenyan flag.
“Please come carrying a candle; please come wearing black; and please come carrying a flag. We will be with the parents and families of our fallen heroes. Tukuje mapema, tuombe, tusherekee mashujaa wetu (Let’s come early, pray, and celebrate our heroes). God bless you; see you tomorrow at Uhuru Park at 6 am,” he added.
However, the event has failed to kick off after the government beefed up security at the venue.
