Comedian Eric Omondi and seven other people have been released on free bond after denying charges related to the alleged obstruction of traffic along Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District.Omondi appeared in court on Tuesday alongside Cyprian Ateka, Alex Ngungu, John Ndungu, Kelvin Mwasia, Josiah Ogutu, Wilson Ouma and Olive Odhiambo.
The eight denied a charge of unlawfully obstructing the operation of motor vehicles on a public road.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons acted together with other individuals who have not been charged on September 7, 2026. Their actions allegedly disrupted the movement of vehicles along Moi Avenue, one of the busy roads in Nairobi’s CBD.
The group has been charged under Section 58(c) of the Kenya Roads Act, Chapter 408 of the Laws of Kenya. The law covers offences involving the obstruction of the operation of motor vehicles on a road.
During the court proceedings, lawyer Danstan Omari asked that the accused be released on personal bond. He argued that the arrests were linked to political activities and said there was a history of similar cases failing to progress.
Omari said he had represented Omondi since 2017 after receiving instructions from the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. He claimed that some previous cases involving the comedian had either stalled or been withdrawn.
The lawyer also connected Omondi’s arrest to his involvement in the Punguza Mizigo initiative, saying the comedian had previously participated in collecting signatures in support of constitutional changes.
He argued that the accused were exercising their constitutional rights by taking part in activities aimed at promoting changes to the Constitution. Omari also called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to remain independent when handling such cases.
He urged the court not to allow the judiciary to become involved in political disputes, saying legal proceedings should focus on dealing with genuine criminal offences.
Omari also told the court that Omondi has international commitments, including a planned performance in the United States, which he said would contribute to promoting Kenya internationally.
The prosecution did not object to the request for the accused persons to be released. The court subsequently granted the eight accused free bond as they await the hearing and determination of the case.
