Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has vowed to secure the release of comedian and activist Eric Omondi.
Speaking after visiting Omondi following his arrest at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Babu claimed that the accusations he is facing lacked legal basis and were intended to intimidate him.
He termed his arrest a “fishing expedition” that he says is aimed at targeting the entertainer over his activism.
The legislator said that Omondi was arrested while aboard a plane headed to Kisumu County, where he was expected to attend engagements.
According to the legislator, the authorities informed them that the arrest was linked to ongoing investigations related to protests over fuel price increases.
Babu, who vowed to act as Omondi’s legal representative in the matter, dismissed the accusations as “frivolous” and “limping,” insisting that they would not stand.
“There is nowhere this will go to,” he said, adding that the case amounted to what he termed ‘a fishing expedition’ with no solid legal grounding.
He further alleged that Omondi was being selectively targeted due to his involvement in activism.
Babu also expressed confidence that the comedian would be released, stating that he expected him to be out of custody by Monday, when the matter is expected to be mentioned in court.
“We will be in court on Monday, and I want to tell them to come prepared,” he said.
The legislator also raised concern over the timing of the arrest, claiming that Omondi was deliberately detained on a Friday to ensure he spent the weekend in police custody before being presented in court.
He, however, downplayed the significance of the weekend detention, saying it did not amount to punishment in his view.
“If somebody sleeps in a police station, it is not punishment. To me, it gives me an opportunity to have a ‘me time’. You are alone and communicate to yourself, realign your ambitions, think about your vision,” he remarked.
Babu further claimed that efforts to have Omondi released on police bond were unsuccessful.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed Omondi’s arrest at JKIA on June 5, 2026.
According to the DCI, detectives from the Central unit working in conjunction with the CRIB Nairobi Region apprehended the comedian following what they described as credible intelligence gathered during ongoing investigations.
The suspect is linked to alleged offences said to have been committed during the recent fuel-related protests in Nairobi.
“He is currently recording a statement at the Nairobi Region DCI Headquarters while being processed ahead of possible arraignment in court.”
According to the DCI, the arrest forms part of ongoing investigations involving several other suspects linked to the same incidents.
The agency said some of those suspects had previously been arrested and arraigned in court on May 18, 2026, as investigations continue.
It added: “The DCI will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone involved in such offences. No matter where you hide, the long arm of the law will catch up with you.”
The matter remains under investigation. The DCI has maintained that all suspects will be hand led in accordance with the law as inquiries into the alleged offences proceed.
Erick had earlier posted on his social media accounts alleging that he had been arrested by a group of men.
