Eric Omondi, Seven Others Deny Nairobi CBD Traffic Obstruction Charges

Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi and seven others have pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawfully obstructing the movement of motor vehicles along Moi Avenue in Nairobi's Central Business District.

Omondi, Cyprian Ateka, Alex Ngungu, John Ndungu, Kelvin Mwasia, Josiah Ogutu, Wilson Ouma and Olive Odhiambo appeared before a Nairobi court on Tuesday, where they denied the allegations.

The prosecution alleges that the eight, acting jointly with other individuals who have not been charged, unlawfully obstructed the operation of motor vehicles along Moi Avenue on September 7, 2026.

The State claims their actions interfered with the normal flow of traffic along the busy CBD road.

They face a charge of obstructing the operation of motor vehicles on a road, contrary to Section 58(c) of the Kenya Roads Act, Chapter 408 of the Laws of Kenya.

Omari Seeks Personal Bond

Defence lawyer Danstan Omari asked the court to release the accused persons on personal bond.

Omari argued that the case formed part of a pattern in which individuals are arrested over political activities before cases subsequently stall or are withdrawn.

The lawyer said he had represented Omondi since 2017 after receiving instructions from the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, and claimed previous cases involving the comedian had failed to progress.

“The State will always withdraw. Similar to this one, the State will not have witnesses to proceed,” Omari told the court.

He accused the prosecution of adopting what he described as a “galloping approach” of arresting suspects and taking them to court without adequately pursuing the cases.

Lawyer Links Arrest to Punguza Mzigo Initiative

Omari also linked Omondi's arrest to his involvement in the Punguza Mzigo constitutional amendment initiative.

The lawyer told the court that Omondi had been collecting signatures in support of proposed constitutional changes, including a proposal to reduce the number of counties from 47 to eight.

He argued that the accused persons were exercising their constitutional rights, including the right to participate in initiatives seeking to amend the Constitution.

Omari further urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to exercise its independence and not operate as a “conveyor belt of the executive.”

“These are national heroes who want the counties to be reduced from 47 to eight,” he said, arguing that the proposed constitutional changes should be subjected to the constitutional process.

Court Urged to Stay Out of Political Disputes

The defence lawyer also urged the judiciary not to become involved in political disputes.

“Let this court, let the judiciary not be used in political battles. Let us deal with criminals who have committed crimes,” Omari said.

He further told the court that Omondi had international engagements, including a planned show in the United States, which he said would contribute to promoting Kenya's image abroad.

Accused Released on Free Bond

The prosecution did not oppose the application for the accused persons to be released.

The court subsequently released Omondi and the seven co-accused on free bond pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The matter will now proceed through the court process, with the prosecution required to prove the allegations against the eight accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.