‘Over Ksh21M down the drain’ – Eric Omondi and Willy Paul count losses as KICC Valentine’s gig cancelled abruptly
By Martin Oduor, February 14, 2025In an unexpected turn of events, comedian Eric Omondi and musician Willy Paul found themselves at a financial and emotional loss on Friday, February 14, 2025, after their highly publicized Valentine’s Day concert was abruptly cancelled.
The event, dubbed ‘Pozze Live’ was set to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a government-owned venue in the heart of Nairobi CBD.
The cancellation, which came mere hours before the scheduled performance, left organizers scrambling and fans disappointed.
The financial implications were staggering, with an estimated Ksh21 million in investments, including stage setup, marketing, and security arrangements, now rendered futile.
A promising event cut short
The concert had been widely promoted across Nairobi, with at least 14 billboards erected to generate buzz.
Eric Omondi himself engaged in social media promotions, inviting fans to share images of the billboards for a chance to win free tickets.
“There are 14 billboards in Nairobi… If you spot one, take a picture, post and tag me or DM me and win two tickets,” Eric Omondi wrote on Instagram on January 26, 2025.
Even on the eve of the concert, Eric had been at KICC to inspect the stage setup, sharing enthusiastic updates with his followers.
“We are READY for you tomorrow… Come let’s make history together,” he wrote.
But by Friday afternoon, the tone had changed dramatically.
Eric Omondi took to Instagram to lament what he described as government interference, claiming that police had been deployed to KICC to halt the concert without explanation.
In a frustrated post, Omondi alleged that the cancellation was politically motivated.
“Another SAD DAY IN KENYA!!! After 3 months of huge investments, rehearsals, and intense preparations, our event has been cancelled without reason. The police have appeared at KICC and said they have orders to stop the event. The question is why?” Eric wrote.
He further claimed that the security personnel they had requested for the event were denied and that authorities cited factors unrelated to the concert itself.
“It’s not about the event, it’s not about security. It’s Eric Omondi and other factors,” he wrote, hinting at a potential crackdown on his outspoken political activism.
Eric Omondi’s activism
Eric Omondi has been one of the most vocal critics of President William Ruto’s administration, frequently leading protests against government policies and economic mismanagement.
With KICC being state-owned, many speculate that the last-minute cancellation was a form of retribution for his activism.
Despite the setback, Willy Paul and Eric Omondi were quick to announce an alternative venue, moving the concert to Expressway Lounge on Mombasa Road.
“Pozze Live is still on tonight. Venue: Expressway Lounge Mombasa Road (At The Gardens). See you tonight! Time: 6 till dawn,” the artist posted on social media.
“Some moments are bigger than just a gathering—they are a reminder that connections, conversations, and energy find their way, no matter what. The venue may change, but the vibe remains. Join us at Expressway Lounge for an unforgettable experience. See you there. COME SUPPORT POZZE🙏🙏🙏🙏,” Eric Omondi wrote.
While the new location offered a lifeline, the damage had already been done.
The loss of investment, coupled with the logistical challenges of shifting venues on such short notice, underscored the fragility of Kenya’s entertainment industry when faced with government intervention.
The sudden cancellation of ‘Pozze Live’ raises larger concerns about the relationship between the state and the creative industry in Kenya.
If Eric Omondi’s claims hold, the move could signal a chilling precedent where politically active entertainers face barriers to staging events.
For now, Eric and Willy Paul are left to count their losses, while their fans grapple with the unsettling reality that even entertainment is not immune to political machinations in Kenya.
As Eric Omondi put it, “Vijana watawai inuka kweli??? IPO SIKU.” (Will young people ever rise? One day, it will happen.)