‘It’s traumatising’ – Eric Omondi opens up on mental toll of helping Kenyans
By Paulette Mboga, December 19, 2025Comedian Eric Omondi has spoken openly about the mental strain he is facing while helping Kenyans through the Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative.
The comedian almost broke down in tears on Friday, December 19, 2025, as he explained how handling distressing cases daily has taken an emotional toll on him. He described the experience as overwhelming and said the responsibility often weighs heavily on his mental health.
“So hiyo kitu is traumatising,” Eric said as he reflected on the pressure.
He questioned how he is expected to keep going while carrying the stories of many struggling people.
“Nitasimama aje na wakenya. How can I sustain their…hizi vitu ndogo ndogo ziko hapa (Lifting his phone)…Mungu anajua,” he added, pointing to the emotional burden he carries quietly.
Eric revealed that many of the cases involve serious hardship, including vulnerable families and children.
“Kuna wamama hapa, watoi wengine wanakufa manze,” he said, explaining that some of the messages he receives are deeply painful to read.
Despite this, he noted that he cannot always speak publicly about every case.
“But I cannot go on live every time. Siwezi enda live every time,” he explained.
The weight of carrying other people’s pain
Eric said that even with the pressure, he feels a strong sense of responsibility because of the influence he has and described Sisi Kwa Sisi as something bigger than him.
“But tuko na influence manze, God ametupea ma number. Na tutasustain, imekua kitu God amepea Eric Omondi,” he said, noting that he believes the platform was given to him for a purpose.
He also challenged media practitioners to understand what he deals with behind the scenes.
“Mkiona naget emotional, siku moja watu wa media mchukue hii phone yangu mkae nayo 6 hours mgo through it once. Wakenya walipata platform, place wanaweza share story zao,” Eric said, suggesting that reading the messages alone would explain his emotional moments.
According to Eric, Sisi Kwa Sisi has become a safe space for many Kenyans.
He added that the initiative has acted as a bridge for those in pain.
“Walipata sisi kwa sisi imekua bridge, so wamama wamepata place wanaweza come kulia,” he explained.
Despite his commitment, Eric admitted that the emotional load sometimes becomes too much.