Eric Omondi released on Sh100,000 bond after denying traffic obstruction charges in Nairobi

Activist and comedian Eric Omondi has been released on a personal bond of Sh100,000 after pleading not guilty to charges of obstructing traffic along Nairobi's Kimathi Street.

Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, Omondi denied allegations that on June 5, 2026, he caused disruption to the free flow of traffic by offloading 120 empty 10-litre plastic jerricans from a lorry along the busy city street.

The court heard that Omondi sought release on bond, arguing that he was not a flight risk and had a known place of residence within Nairobi.

His legal team, led by advocates Danstan Omari, Martina Swiga and Babu Owino, challenged the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention.

Omari told the court that the jerricans were intended for low-income Nairobi residents who rely on such containers to store water due to the lack of permanent storage facilities in their homes.

“Many city residents cannot afford rooftop water tanks and depend on jerricans for water storage,” he submitted.

Swiga argued that Omondi's charitable activities through his “Sisi Kwa Sisi” initiative should not be criminalised, maintaining that the distribution of the containers was aimed at assisting vulnerable families.

Owino, who also represents Embakasi East in Parliament, criticised the manner of Omondi’s arrest, telling the court that the activist was apprehended while preparing to travel to Kisumu for an event where he was scheduled to serve as master of ceremonies. He said the arrest resulted in financial losses and disrupted Omondi’s work.

The MP further sought the release of electronic gadgets seized during the arrest, arguing that they are essential tools for Omondi's livelihood. He also accused police of violating constitutional provisions on the right to bail by detaining the activist for 72 hours.

The prosecution did not oppose Omondi’s release on bond but opposed the return of the gadgets, stating that the devices form part of the evidence in the case.

In a brief ruling, Magistrate Onsarigo released Omondi on a personal bond of Sh100,000 and directed that the matter be mentioned on June 22 for further directions.