Comedian and activist Eric Omondi was arrested in Nairobi Central Business District while collecting signatures in support of his “Punguza Mzigo” referendum initiative.
Omondi was apprehended by police while leading a peaceful campaign calling for major changes to Kenya’s governance structure, including a reduction in the number of counties, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
Undercover police officers confronted the comedian and handcuffed him before bundling him into a waiting vehicle in the Monday morning drama.
The officer who arrested Omondi did not immediately disclose the reason for the arrest.
However, other officers said he had been detained for allegedly holding an illegal meeting without notifying authorities of the planned gathering.
It is not clear if he will be arraigned.
Omondi had announced on his social media platforms that he would collect signatures at the Archives in Nairobi as part of his campaign.
His initiative seeks to reduce Kenya’s 47 counties to eight larger regional units, effectively reverting to the eight regions that existed before the current devolved county system.
The campaign is targeting one million signatures in support of the proposed constitutional changes.
Omondi has linked the proposal to efforts to reduce government expenditure, arguing that eliminating some administrative and political positions would free up resources for essential public services.
Under his proposal, the reduction in the number of counties and political offices would result in savings that could be redirected towards providing free education from primary school through university.
The initiative is not new. In August 2024, Omondi was involved in a similar campaign advocating for the reduction of Kenya’s 47 counties to eight regions, alongside proposals to abolish positions including senators and Women Representatives.
The latest campaign comes as debate over the cost of running Kenya’s devolved and national government structures continues, with proponents of constitutional reforms arguing that the country can reduce expenditure by restructuring its political and administrative system.
