Comedian Eric Omondi arrested at parliament in solo protest
Key takeaways
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- Eric Omondi is a self-proclaimed President of Comedy Africa.
- The top Kenyan creative recently lost his sibling and fellow comedian Fred Omondi in a road accident.
- Eric Omondi earlier made a surprise visit to Kenya’s parliament buildings in a solo protest over the punitive Finance Bill 2024.
- His latest act of defiance was cut short when he was promptly apprehended by heavily armed police officers.
Also read: Faith Odhiambo’s Chief of Staff Ernest Nyerere arrested by police
Eric Omondi’s dramatic arrest at the National Assembly
In an admirable display of commitment, comedian Omondi arrived at Parliament Road on a horse to make his voice heard.
Clad in red attire, the talent parody-maker spiritedly spoke against the bill while invoking his late brother.
One police officer swiftly walked to the stationary horse and yanked the comedian off the top.
Mr. Omondi made a hard landing on the bare tarmac nearly breaking his spine.
In typical police fashion, the comedian was grabbed by his pants and escorted to a waiting police vehicle.
His arrest is the latest in a string of arrests targeted at perceived focal points of the current anti-Finance Bill and #OccupyParliament protests.
Activists Hanifa and Beverly Kwamboka were earlier arrested at separate locations within Nairobi’s Central Business District, a known hotspot for protests.
‘Free Eric Omondi’ movement on X
Social media is awash with calls for Eric Omondi’s release as Kenyans of goodwill scramble to find his whereabouts.
The African president of comedy also received a serious beating while being apprehended by Administration police officers guarding the August house.
As Kenyans on Twitter demand his release, protesters are mourning the death of one of the young people who was reportedly gunned down by police.
Rex Masai was felled by an alleged police bullet at night as protesters staged a night vigil in Nairobi city center.
Eric Omondi ‘Missing in Action’ for GenZ demos
Eric Omondi is a well-known personality in anti-government protests, often seen outside Nairobi’s Parliament Buildings.
He was present in similar protests last year against the Finance Bill 2023.
The Big Tyme Entertainment Chief Executive Officer missed the first round of protests that engulfed Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Young Kenyans famously ‘Gen Z’ have been widely credited for the emphatic protests that were conducted in parallel with parliamentary debate and voting for the bill by MPs.
While entertainment big shots and dozens of celebrities showed up in solidarity with fans to protest, Eric Omondi understandably missed out on the fray.
The celebrated former Churchill Show act recently lost his brother in a tragic road accident. He was earlier photographed in Kisumu, seemingly preparing for his late brother’s send-off.
Some of the notable celebrities who graced Finance Bill 2024 demos in his absence include:
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- Singer Nyashinski
- Comedian Terrence
- Actor Abel Mutua
- Singers Wahu and Nameless
- Rappers King Kaka, Octopizzo, and Femi One
- P-Unit’s Gabu
Also read: Comedian Butita under fire from netizens low-key supporting the Finance Bill 2024
The Gen Zs, however, show no signs of relenting in what they perceive as a long-awaited revolution for Kenya.
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