The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Comedian and activist Eric Omondi was arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District while collecting signatures in support of his “Punguza Mzigo” referendum campaign.
Omondi was apprehended by police as he led a peaceful drive advocating for sweeping changes to Kenya’s governance structure, including cutting the number of counties, Members of Parliament, and Members of County Assemblies.
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In a dramatic scene on Monday morning, undercover officers confronted the comedian, handcuffed him, and bundled him into a waiting vehicle. The arresting officer did not immediately explain the reason for the arrest, though other officers alleged he had been holding an illegal gathering without notifying authorities beforehand. It remains unclear whether he will be formally charged.
Omondi had earlier announced on social media that he would be collecting signatures at the Archives in Nairobi as part of his campaign. His initiative proposes consolidating Kenya’s 47 counties into eight larger regional units, effectively reverting to the eight regions that existed before the current devolved county system was introduced.
The campaign aims to gather one million signatures in support of the proposed constitutional amendments. Omondi has tied the proposal to broader efforts to cut government spending, arguing that scrapping certain administrative and political positions would free up funds for essential public services.
Under his plan, savings generated from reducing the number of counties and elected offices would be redirected toward funding free education from primary school through university.
This is not Omondi’s first push for such reforms. In August 2024, he led a similar campaign calling for the reduction of Kenya’s 47 counties to eight regions, alongside proposals to scrap positions such as senators and Women Representatives.
The renewed campaign comes amid ongoing debate over the cost of running Kenya’s devolved and national government structures, with advocates for constitutional reform arguing that restructuring the political and administrative system could significantly reduce public expenditure.
