Eric Omondi urges employers to give employees a break on Monday
By Paulette Mboga, May 16, 2026Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has urged employers across the country to give workers a break on Monday, saying many Kenyans are exhausted by the tough economic situation.
He made the remarks while declaring the day a “public holiday” for workers struggling with daily challenges in a video on Instagram on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
“We are declaring this Monday a public holiday,” Eric Omondi said.
“And we are doing that because Kenyans need a break from suffocation and suffering,” he explained.
Omondi said many people are facing pressure from different parts of life, including rent, school fees, and the high cost of living. He described the country as overwhelmed by economic struggles and said many citizens are emotionally drained.
“Kenyans are going through a lot from all corners. The country is depressed. People are struggling with rent, parents with school fees,” he said.
He added that the situation in the country had become too difficult for many ordinary families. According to him, many workers are tired and need time away from work to rest and recover from the pressure they are facing.
“I would describe Kenya as a sick country that needs medication. Kenyans are tired and overwhelmed,” Omondi stated.
Calls for employers to cooperate
Omondi also appealed to employers to allow their staff to stay away from work on Monday. He said he was making a personal request to bosses to show understanding during the difficult period that many employees are facing.
“So we are declaring Monday a public holiday, and I am requesting every boss, every employer, tafadhali. Just allow your employees wasikuje kazi Monday,” he said.
The activist also referred to reports of a matatu strike, saying transport challenges could also affect workers trying to get to their jobs.
“I have seen matatu association wamesema watakua strike, hata watafika aje,” Omondi added.
His remarks came shortly after he staged another protest against the rising cost of fuel in the country. In a video seen by K24 Digital, Omondi was filmed walking along a busy road while pulling empty yellow jerrycans as a sign of the burden many Kenyans are carrying because of fuel prices.
Fuel prices have remained a major concern for many households because they affect transport, food prices, and daily expenses.
In the latest monthly fuel review released Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, pushing the cost of transport and goods even higher amid mounting pressure on household budgets.
The regulator said the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel would rise by Ksh16.65 and Ksh46.29 per litre respectively, while Kerosene prices would remain unchanged for the pricing cycle running from May 15 to June 14, 2026.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene now retail at Ksh214.25, Ksh242.92, and Ksh152.78, respectively.