Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has pleaded not guilty alongside seven others after being accused of disrupting the movement of vehicles along Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District. The group was released on free bond as their lawyer argued that the case was connected to their involvement in political and constitutional activities.
Highlights
- Eric Omondi and seven co-accused denied the charges in court.
- The prosecution alleges the group disrupted traffic along Moi Avenue on September 7.
- Lawyer Danstan Omari asked for their release on personal bond.
- The prosecution did not oppose their release.
- The eight were released on free bond pending the case.
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Omondi and Seven Others Deny Charge
Eric Omondi appeared in court on Tuesday alongside Cyprian Ateka, Alex Ngungu, John Ndungu, Kelvin Mwasia, Josiah Ogutu, Wilson Ouma and Olive Odhiambo.
The eight denied allegations that they unlawfully interfered with the movement of motor vehicles along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons allegedly acted together with other individuals who have not been charged to interfere with traffic on the busy CBD road on September 7, 2026.
They are facing a charge under Section 58(c) of the Kenya Roads Act, which deals with obstruction of the operation of motor vehicles on a road.
Lawyer Challenges Prosecution’s Case
During the court proceedings, lawyer Danstan Omari pushed for the accused persons to be released on personal bond.
Omari argued that the arrests fit into what he described as a recurring pattern where people involved in political activities are taken to court, only for cases to later fail to progress.
He said he had represented Omondi since 2017 after receiving instructions from the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The lawyer further claimed that previous cases involving the comedian had not progressed to conclusion, suggesting that the latest case could face a similar fate.
Constitutional Amendment Campaign Comes Into Focus
Omari also connected Omondi’s arrest to his involvement in efforts supporting constitutional reforms.
He told the court that Omondi had previously participated in collecting signatures for the Punguza Mizigo initiative and argued that such activities fell within the accused persons’ constitutional rights.
The lawyer also urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to maintain its independence and avoid being used in political disputes.
He maintained that disagreements surrounding proposed constitutional changes should be addressed through the legal and constitutional process rather than through the courts as political battles.
Omondi’s International Engagements Cited
In seeking his release, Omari also informed the court that Omondi has international commitments, including a planned performance in the United States.
He argued that the comedian’s international work contributes to Kenya’s image and should be taken into consideration when determining his bond terms.
The prosecution did not object to the application for the accused persons to be released.
The eight were subsequently granted free bond and will remain out of custody as the case proceeds.
For Omondi, the latest court appearance adds to a long history of activism and encounters with law enforcement. His previous arrests during demonstrations have also attracted significant public attention.
As the case moves forward, the bigger question remains: where should Kenya draw the line between exercising constitutional freedoms and disrupting public order?
