Popular comedian and activist Eric Omondi was on Friday, June 5 arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) linking the arrest to alleged offences committed during recent fuel-related protests in Nairobi.
The arrest initially sparked confusion after Omondi took to social media claiming he had been picked up by unidentified men and did not know where he was being taken.
"Just been arrested by a group of 8 non-uniformed men. I have no idea where we are headed!!!" he wrote on his social media pages.
The post quickly generated concern among thousands of his supporters, many demanding answers about his whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Hours later, the DCI confirmed that Omondi had been taken into custody and was being processed for arraignment.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency said detectives from DCI Central, working jointly with the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) Nairobi Region, arrested the activist following intelligence gathered during ongoing investigations into recent demonstrations against fuel price hikes.
"Following credible intelligence, detectives from DCI Central, working jointly with CRIB Nairobi Region, arrested the suspect in connection with offences committed under the guise of the recent fuel-related protests in Nairobi," the DCI stated.
According to the agency, Omondi was taken to the Nairobi Region DCI Headquarters, where he was recording a statement as officers prepared to present him in court.
The DCI added that the arrest was linked to ongoing investigations that have already seen several suspects apprehended and arraigned in court on May 18, 2026.
While investigators did not disclose the exact charges Omondi is expected to face, the agency maintained that criminal activities committed during demonstrations would not go unpunished.
"The DCI reminds the public that, while the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, picket, and demonstrate peacefully, these rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law," the statement read.
"Any criminal acts committed under the guise of protests, demonstrations, or civic action will be investigated and dealt with firmly in accordance with the law."
The agency further warned that it would continue pursuing all individuals found culpable.
"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 statement added.
Omondi has emerged as one of the most visible faces of anti-government protests in recent months, particularly demonstrations against rising fuel prices and the cost of living.
On May 18, the comedian staged a high-profile protest in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), arriving with a lorry carrying several yellow jerricans that he later unloaded onto city streets.
He said the containers symbolised the economic hardships facing ordinary Kenyans following increases in fuel costs.
"The President has the power to declare the fuel hikes null and void. To the Kenya police, always remember you are first a Father, a brother, and a husband before you are a policeman. Let’s not lose any more lives simply because Kenyans are peacefully asking to be heard," he wrote shortly after the demonstration.
The 44-year-old has had several previous encounters with law enforcement agencies during protests and advocacy campaigns, often attracting national attention through his activism.
Following news of his arrest, Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino visited Omondi at the Nairobi Area Regional Police Headquarters and criticised the charges facing the activist.
“We are with Eric Omondi at Nairobi Area Regional Police Headquarters. Eric was arrested today at JKIA today at 12.15PM. The charges pressed against him are frivolous, fickle, limping and vexatious. The Dci officers have refused to admit him to bail. Let’s meet in Court on Monday and come prepared,” Babu Owino shared.
Omondi's arrest is expected to reignite debate over the government's response to recent protests, with supporters arguing that demonstrations are protected under the Constitution while authorities insist that any criminal conduct occurring during such actions must be investigated and prosecuted.
