Comedian and activist Eric Omondi was on Monday released on a cash bond of KSh100,000 after appearing before the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi over charges linked to recent demonstrations in the city.
Omondi, who was dramatically arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday, June 5, was charged with obstructing motorists after allegedly offloading 120 empty jerricans along a Nairobi road during protests against rising fuel prices.
The court heard that the incident caused disruption to traffic and inconvenienced road users. Omondi denied the charges and was subsequently released on bond pending further court proceedings.
His legal team, led by Embakasi East MP and lawyer Babu Owino, argued that the charges were politically motivated and lacked sufficient basis. Owino had earlier vowed to personally represent the comedian following his arrest, describing the case as an attempt to intimidate activists.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has maintained that Omondi's arrest followed investigations into offences allegedly committed during recent fuel-price protests in Nairobi. Authorities insist that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to demonstrate, such actions must remain within the confines of the law.
The case has attracted widespread public attention, with supporters gathering outside the court in solidarity with the comedian, who has in recent years become one of the country's most vocal activists on social and economic issues.
The matter is expected to return to court in the coming weeks as prosecutors prepare to present their evidence. Meanwhile, Omondi remains free on bond as the legal battle unfolds.