Eric Omondi arrest: 5 times the comedian has had a brush with authorities
By Paulette Mboga, June 6, 2026Comedian and activist Eric Omondi is once again in police custody following his arrest on June 5, 2026.
Over the past few years, Omondi has repeatedly made headlines for his involvement in public demonstrations and activism, leading to several run-ins with law enforcement agencies.
His latest arrest adds to a growing list of incidents that have seen him detained while championing different causes affecting Kenyans. Here are five notable occasions when Omondi found himself on the wrong side of the law.
March 2023: State House CV protest
On March 28, 2023, Omondi was arrested while pushing a mkokoteni loaded with thousands of curriculum vitae towards State House. The stunt was aimed at highlighting the unemployment crisis facing young people in Kenya.
April 2023: Unemployment protest in Kisumu
This time, he was taking part in a demonstration focused on unemployment and the challenges facing jobless youth. The comedian had increasingly positioned himself as a vocal advocate for economic reforms and opportunities for young Kenyans.
June 2024: Finance Bill demonstrations
In June 2024, Omondi was arrested outside Parliament during protests against the Finance Bill 2024. He staged a solo demonstration alongside a group of mama mbogas to oppose the proposed measures.
He would later continue participating in anti-tax demonstrations that swept across the country during the same period, further placing him at the centre of political activism.
October 2024: Alternative Mashujaa Day event
Another arrest followed in October 2024 when Omondi attempted to organise an alternative Mashujaa Day celebration at Uhuru Park. Authorities intervened before the event could proceed, leading to his detention and adding another chapter to his growing record of activism-related arrests.
June 2026: Arrest at JKIA
The latest incident occurred on June 5, 2026, when Omondi was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while preparing to board a flight to Kisumu.
The arrest is linked to his involvement in protests over fuel price increases in mid-May 2026, including the widely discussed jerrycan and Kibuyu Day demonstrations.
According to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Omondi was arrested at around 12:15 pm before being taken into custody. The legislator later revealed that he met the comedian at the Nairobi Area Regional Police Headquarters after the arrest.
“We are with @ericomondi_ at Nairobi Area Regional Police Headquarters. Eric was arrested today at JKIA at 12.15 p.m. The charges pressed against him are frivolous, fickle, limping and vexatious. The DCI officers have refused to admit him to bail. Let’s meet in Court on Monday and come prepared,” Babu Owino stated.
Babu also stated that efforts to secure Omondi’s release on bail were unsuccessful and that he remained in detention. The MP is currently representing the comedian as he awaits his court appearance.
As Omondi’s legal battle continues, his latest arrest highlights a pattern that has defined much of his recent public life, where activism and encounters with authorities have frequently gone hand in hand.