Comedian Eric Omondi on Thursday, April 6 threatened to stage demonstrations from Monday, April 10 for 14 days consecutively.
He announced his declaration to take to the streets during an interview on Hot 96, despite being arrested four times for leading protests over the high cost of living.
Omondi added that he would lead the demonstrations for a non-stop period of 14 days until President William Ruto’s government prioritizes the right issues, though he did not disclose his starting point.
Omondi, who refers to himself as the “President of Comedy Africa”, added that the motivation for him to protest in line with his rights was influenced by testimonies of many Kenyans who were suffering due to the high cost of living, something which pains him.
“I will fight for the Wanjikus. It is not easy because the messages I receive, it’s getting crazier every day. I was once told that watoto hawajakula siku tatu (Children have not eaten for three days). How is that even possible? “ he posed.
The comedian further questioned the manner in which the Kenyan Kwanza government was prioritizing issues, especially the budget requesting additional cars for government officials while Kenyans are faced with real issues in the streets.
“Why does Mudavadi need a car? Someone who was born into a wealthy family? Why is it more urgent? There are issues the government can address today, For the issue of unga, it can be dealt with if the government wants to and that is why I will go back to the streets” Omondi stated.
In the financial budget estimate for 2022/23, the offices of President Ruto, Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua, and Musalia Mudavadi were allocated Ksh802.2 million for car purchases.
The comedian also addressed rumours of him joining politics by indicating that did not rule out that possibility since he understands the importance of being part of the system to be able to make meaningful change.
“I have done a lot and achieved little. People have told me that sometimes if I need to see the change I have to be on the inside so that I can be able to fight for Wanjiku, so it is something I am considering. But that is the way in the future. I’m a comedian, I don’t want to become a politician. I’m just fighting for the right of the people and I know I will achieve it,” Omondi added.
The four times Omondi has been arrested this year have all grabbed attention across social media, with the Central Police Station almost becoming his temporary home after being taken into custody on each of those occasions
On Monday, April 3, police lobbed teargas to disperse a crowd that had milled around Omondi before arresting him, just as he was filmed threatening to commit suicide in the Central Business District (CBD) as part of the protests.
He was arraigned in court the following day and charged with creating a disturbance in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace and accused of erecting a barrier on the said road and shouting, inconveniencing other road users. He was freed on a cash bail of Ksh5,000.
