Kenyan comedian and activist Eric Omondi has issued a bold demand to the nation’s employers. He is calling for a mandatory one-week break for all employees across the country.
The activist appeared in a video walking alongside a donkey carrying water. This visual was intended to symbolise his message that the Kenyan people—much like the donkey—are “tired” and “overburdened” by current living conditions.
A Workforce at Breaking Point
Omondi’s request focuses on the mental and physical wellbeing of the Kenyan workforce. He is urging companies, factories, and corporate brands to grant their staff a week-long leave starting immediately.
The activist argues that the current state of the nation has left citizens in a state of crisis. He described the population as exhausted, depressed, and stressed.
“We are requesting companies, factories, brands, and corporates to allow your employees a one-week break. These people are not okay, wacha Wakenya watulize akili. The break is well deserved because Kenyans have gone through a lot,,” he urged.
According to Omondi, this is not a standard request for leave, but a necessary intervention to prevent further tragedy.
“Kenyans are tired. Kenyans are burdened. Kenyans are exhausted. Kenyans are depressed. Kenyans are stressed. People are dying. People are killing themselves.”
The Economic and Social Cost
The primary driver behind this national exhaustion is the soaring cost of living. Omondi specifically highlighted the impact of high fuel prices on the daily lives of citizens. He warned that if fuel prices do not decrease, a total national shutdown is inevitable.
Beyond economics, the activist pointed to a breakdown in social security.
He noted a worrying trend of missing persons, claiming that three babies had gone missing in a single week alone.
He criticised the government for what he perceived as inaction regarding these disappearances.
The Ultimatum to Employers
Omondi did not merely make a request; he issued a stern warning to the corporate world. He stated that any company or corporate entity that forces its employees to work during this designated week would face severe public backlash.
The activist threatened a dual strategy of “cancellation” and commercial boycotts. He insisted that if a company denies its staff this “well-deserved” break, the public should stop purchasing its products entirely.3“Any company that will insist on it’s employees going to work, we will cancel you and more than that, we will boycott your products.”
