NAIROBI, Kenya — September 7, 2026 — Kenyan comedian and activist Eric Omondi was arrested on Monday morning by plainclothes police officers in Nairobi CBD.
Omondi was arrested outside the Nairobi National Archives along Moi Avenue while he was collecting signatures for the “Punguza Mzigo” campaign.
Videos shared on social media showed plainclothes officers taking Omondi into custody. Central Police Station OCPD Patrick Gogo confirmed the arrest, saying Omondi was detained for holding a gathering without giving official notice.
The Punguza Mzigo campaign is seeking one million signatures to push for changes to Kenya’s Constitution under Article 257.
The campaign wants to reduce the number of counties from 47 to 8 regions. It also calls for the removal of the Senate, women representatives and nominated seats.
The movement says money saved from these changes could help provide free public education up to university level.
Before his arrest, Omondi said the campaign had collected about 450,000 signatures from areas including Mombasa, Meru and Kakamega.
He had planned to remain at the National Archives until Friday as he continued the signature drive. He is expected to remain in custody pending his arraignment.
