NAIROBI, Kenya—Popular comedian and activist Eric Omondi was on Friday arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as detectives intensified investigations into alleged offences linked to recent fuel price protests in Nairobi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest, ending hours of speculation after Omondi earlier posted on social media claiming he had been picked up by a group of non-uniformed men and was unaware of where he was being taken.
In a statement, the DCI said detectives from DCI Central, working jointly with the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) Nairobi Region, arrested Omondi following what it described as credible intelligence connecting him to offences allegedly committed during demonstrations against rising fuel prices in the capital.
According to the agency, the comedian was taken to the Nairobi Region DCI Headquarters where he recorded a statement and was processed for arraignment in court.
Investigators said the arrest forms part of a wider probe in which several other suspects linked to the same incidents had previously been arrested and arraigned.
“The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, picket and demonstrate peacefully. However, these rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law,” the DCI said, warning that criminal acts committed under the guise of protests would attract legal action.
The arrest sparked reactions from political leaders and supporters, with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who identified himself as part of Omondi’s legal team, visiting him at the Nairobi Area Regional Police Headquarters. Owino claimed police had declined to release the activist on bail and said he was expected to appear in court on Monday.
Omondi has in recent years emerged as one of Kenya’s most visible activist figures, frequently organising demonstrations over the high cost of living, unemployment and governance issues. His activism has on several occasions led to confrontations with law enforcement agencies and arrests during public protests.
By Saturday afternoon, authorities had not publicly disclosed the specific charges Omondi is expected to face, with the matter remaining under investigation.
