Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi was taken into custody in Nairobi’s central business district on Monday, September 7, 2026, while collecting signatures for the Punguza Mzigo campaign, according to the-star.co.ke.
The arrest occurred during the signature drive, which is part of a push to reduce the number of counties in Kenya. Following his detention, Omondi was brought before a court and charged with obstruction of traffic, as reported by the Daily Nation.
Omondi and five other individuals were released on bond after the charges were read, per Tuko News. The group’s release came after their arraignment, which the Daily Nation confirmed took place in Nairobi.
The Punguza Mzigo initiative, which Omondi has publicly supported, seeks to cut the current 47 counties down to a smaller number. The campaign has drawn both backing and criticism. In a separate report from Mpasho, radio host Jalang’o clashed with Omondi over the proposed county reduction, highlighting a public disagreement between the two figures on the merits of the plan.
The arrest adds to Omondi’s history of using public stunts to draw attention to political issues. Kenyans.co.ke also covered the detention, noting the comedian’s arrest as a notable event in the ongoing campaign.
Observers are now watching whether the traffic obstruction case will proceed to trial or be dropped, and if the arrest will boost or hinder the Punguza Mzigo signature collection effort.
