A section of Members of Parliament led by Dagoretti MP John Kiarie came out to show support for comedian Eric Omondi’s quest during his ‘Play Kenyan Music’ protest outside Parliament on Wednesday.
Omondi stormed the parliament locked in a transparent cube demanding the MPs to pass a bill that would see local media houses play 75 per cent of Kenyan music.
The funnyman said he would not leave the Parliament building until the Bill is debated.
“I will remain here until they start the debate. This is a hunger strike,” Omondi said.
“Tomorrow (Thursday) you will find me here. I’m not going anywhere until the MPs start this conversation,” he added.
Omondi’s protest drew the attention of some lawmakers including Kiarie, Charles Njagua, Babu Owino and David Sankok who promised to push for the passage of the bill
“Your visit to parliament is very timely because there is an amendment bill coming up. Eric, you and I were involved in the writing of the copyright bill and our biggest gain was Section 35 that was protecting any artiste against exploitation.
“Let’s all understand the industry and know that the music industry is bigger than Skiza only. Congratulations Eric, you are a star. We are taking the bill to the parliament,” Kiare said.
To their word, the MPs went inside the parliament and urged their colleagues to help Omondi unlock the creative sector by passing the bill.
“Hon. Sankok has the key to the cage that Eric Omondi is locked in. So, soon after this, we shall report to the creative sector that we are unlocking our artistes because this House is ready to pass 75 per cent content of airtime for our artistes,” MP Kiare said.
