By Mumo Judah
June 8, 2026
Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has been released on a cash bail of KSh 100,000 following his arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday morning, June 8, 2026, in a case linked to alleged obstruction of traffic during recent public demonstrations in Nairobi.
Omondi was freed by the court after spending the weekend in police custody following his arrest on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), moments before he was set to travel to Kisumu for planned civic engagements. His detention and subsequent court appearance have drawn renewed attention to the handling of protest-related arrests in the country, particularly those involving high-profile activists.
The case comes at a time of heightened political and social tension over rising fuel prices and the cost of living, which has triggered a wave of demonstrations across parts of Nairobi. Omondi has been a prominent figure in these protests, frequently mobilising supporters through online platforms and appearing in street-led demonstrations calling for economic relief measures.
His arrest at the airport sparked immediate public reaction after he alleged that he was removed from an aircraft shortly before departure by individuals he described as plainclothes officers. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) later confirmed that he was taken into custody by detectives from the Central region and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, stating that the arrest was part of ongoing investigations into offences allegedly committed during protest activity.
The weekend detention became a major point of contention for his legal team, who accused the investigating authorities of deliberately holding him through the weekend in order to delay his access to court. They argued that the charges levelled against him were minor and should not have warranted prolonged custody.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, who led Omondi’s defence team in court, welcomed the release order and described the ruling as a victory for constitutional rights and due process. Speaking outside the Milimani Law Courts, he said:
“Eric Omondi is now a free man. Today at Milimani Law Courts, we represented our client, Eric Omondi. He is a law-abiding citizen who has consistently used his platform to support vulnerable members of society.”
Owino also strongly criticised the manner in which the arrest was handled, alleging that the prosecution strategy was intended to extend Omondi’s detention unnecessarily. He stated:
“The DCI officers are on a fishing expedition. They planned the arrest in a way that ensured he would remain in custody from Friday through the weekend. The charge is unfounded, exaggerated, and intended to intimidate civic voices.”
Omondi’s release on bail now sets the stage for the continuation of the case, which is expected to return to court for mention in the coming days. The matter is likely to remain under close public scrutiny given the comedian’s high-profile activism and the broader national debate over protest rights and policing methods in Kenya.
