Comedian Eric Omondi Arrested at JKIA Over Fuel Price Protest Investigations
The DCI says Eric Omondi was arrested following investigations into recent anti-fuel price hike protests, while his lawyer Babu Owino has dismissed the charges and vowed to challenge them in court.
Lawyer and MP Babu Owino with his client, comedian Eric Omondi, at the Nairobi Regional Area Police Headquarters following his arrest on June 5, 2026.
By Ruth Sang
Popular comedian and activist Eric Omondi was arrested on Friday at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in connection with investigations into offences allegedly committed during recent protests against rising fuel prices in Nairobi.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Omondi was arrested on June 5, 2026, following intelligence gathered by detectives from DCI Central in collaboration with the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) Nairobi Region.
According to the agency, the comedian was taken to the Nairobi Regional Area Police Headquarters, where he was recording a statement as part of the investigation process ahead of his planned court appearance.
“The arrest follows ongoing investigations in which several other suspects linked to the same incidents were previously arrested and arraigned in court on May 18, 2026,” the DCI said.
The investigative agency emphasized that although the Constitution protects the right to assemble, picket and demonstrate, those freedoms must be exercised within the limits of the law.
“While every Kenyan has a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, any criminal acts committed during such activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the agency stated.
The DCI further warned that individuals found to have committed offences during protests would face legal action.
“We will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone involved in criminal activities. No matter where you hide, the long arm of the law will catch up with you,” the statement added.
Following the arrest, Embakasi East MP and lawyer Babu Owino visited Omondi in custody and criticized the charges facing his client.
“We are with Eric Omondi at Nairobi Area Regional Police Headquarters. Eric was arrested today at JKIA at 12:15 p.m.,” Owino wrote in a post on X.
He described the accusations as “frivolous, fickle, limping and vexatious,” and claimed police had declined to release the comedian on bail.
“The DCI officers have refused to admit him to bail. Let’s meet in court on Monday and come prepared,” Owino said.
Omondi is expected to appear in court as investigations into the fuel price protest incidents continue.
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