Eric Omondi Resumes Punguza Mzigo Campaign After Arrest in Nairobi CBD

Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi has resumed his campaign for changes to Kenya's governance structure after being arrested during a signature collection drive in Nairobi's Central Business District.

Omondi was arrested on Monday, September 7, 2026, while collecting signatures outside the National Archives in support of his Punguza Mzigo campaign.

The initiative seeks to overhaul Kenya's political and administrative structure, including reducing the country's 47 counties to eight larger regions.

Omondi was arraigned in court on Tuesday, September 8, before being released. Following his release, he returned to the campaign trail and renewed his appeal to Kenyans to support the proposed reforms.

Omondi's Five-Point Proposal

Under the proposed changes, Omondi wants Kenya's 47 counties reduced to eight regions.

He has also called for the abolition of nominated political positions, the Senate and the offices of Women Representatives.

In addition, he wants the number of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) reduced.

Omondi summarised his proposals as follows:

“Reduce the number of counties from 47 to 8. Do away with nominated members. Do away with the Senate. Do away with women representatives. Reduce the number of MCAs.”

The activist argues that reducing the number of political offices would lower the cost of government and ease the financial burden on taxpayers.

Campaign Seeks One Million Signatures

The Punguza Mzigo campaign is targeting one million signatures before submitting the initiative to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Reports indicated that the campaign had already collected hundreds of thousands of signatures before moving its activities to Nairobi.

Omondi said the signature collection exercise would continue at the National Archives in the CBD until Friday.

“We are going to reduce the counties from 47 to eight. It will happen. We will be at the Archives CBD until Friday,” he said during the campaign.

Arrest Sparks Attention

Omondi's arrest occurred as plain-clothes police officers confronted him during the signature collection exercise.

Footage from the incident showed officers handcuffing the activist and placing him in a police vehicle.

In the video, Omondi could be heard asking officers what he had done wrong and where he was being taken.

He was subsequently presented in court and later released, allowing him to resume his campaign.

Debate Over Cost of Devolution

The campaign has reignited debate over the structure and cost of Kenya's devolved system of government.

Omondi's proposals would represent major changes to the country's current constitutional and political framework, which includes 47 counties, a bicameral Parliament comprising the National Assembly and Senate, nominated representatives and elected Women Representatives.

His campaign has therefore opened a wider discussion about the number of political offices, the cost of maintaining government structures and whether Kenya's current system provides value for taxpayers.

As Omondi continues collecting signatures, the campaign is expected to attract further public and political debate over the proposed restructuring of Kenya's governance system.