‘It will not be easy’ – Jalang’o warns Eric Omondi over push to reduce counties
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 7, 2026Lang’ata MP Jalang’o has weighed in on Eric Omondi’s latest push to reduce Kenya’s 47 counties to eight, warning the comedian that changing the Constitution is far more complicated than collecting signatures.
The remarks came after Eric intensified his Punguza Mzigo campaign on Monday, September 7, by collecting signatures in Nairobi’s CBD. The activist-comedian is seeking to gather one million signatures to support a constitutional referendum that would reduce the number of counties and scrap several elective positions.
While many Kenyans reacted to the proposal online, Jalang’o offered a detailed response under one of Eric’s Instagram posts, questioning whether the comedian fully understood the constitutional process involved.
Jalang’o explains hurdles
Before sharing his concerns, Jalang’o acknowledged the ambition behind the campaign but pointed out that constitutional amendments involve several legal and political stages.
According to the MP, even if Eric succeeds in collecting millions of signatures, Parliament would still have a major role to play in the process.
“Eric, have you read the Constitution and what it takes to even change a comma? Even if you collected 50 million signatures, it will still come to Parliament to be voted on by the same people you want to do away with,” Jalang’o wrote.
He further questioned whether elected leaders would willingly support proposals that could eliminate their own positions. “Do you think they will vote themselves out of work?” he asked.
Questions over the referendum process
Jalang’o also highlighted the challenge of collecting support from across the country. He noted that Eric would need backing from voters in the same counties he hopes to abolish.
“Do you know you also need to collect signatures from 20 per cent of registered voters from the 47 counties you want to do away with? Do you know there will be a referendum and you will have to go to the 47 counties you want to do away with?” he posed.
The MP admitted that he once thought constitutional changes could be achieved easily before learning how complex the process can be. “Eric, my brother, I also used to think it would be easy. No, it’s not,” he added.
Reference to Katiba at 16 celebrations
Jalang’o also pointed to the recent Katiba @ 16 celebrations, which marked 16 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. The event brought together leaders, legal experts and members of the public to discuss the gains, gaps and challenges of the Constitution.
“Honestly, that is where you needed to be to share your thoughts and recommendations,” Jalang’o said.
Eric’s campaign gains attention
Eric’s campaign has continued to attract attention online, with supporters arguing that reducing the cost of governance would free up resources for public services such as education.
The comedian has proposed reducing the 47 counties to eight regional units and scrapping positions including senators, Woman Representatives and nominated seats.
Jalang’o, however, concluded his response by seeking an update on another initiative previously championed by Eric.
“By the way, Sisi kwa Sisi Rescue Centre ilifika wapi? We need an update because I contributed to that initiative,” he wrote.
The exchange has sparked fresh debate online, with Kenyans divided between supporting Eric’s proposals and agreeing with Jalang’o’s view that constitutional reforms require a much longer and more complex process.