Comedian and activist Eric Omondi was on Friday released on a personal bond by the Milimani Law Courts after being charged with obstruction under the Kenya Roads Act.
The comedian’s legal team, led by Babu Owino, welcomed the court’s decision, terming the charges politically motivated and an attempt to punish Omondi for his activism.
Addressing the media outside the court, Babu Owino said the defense team had successfully fought for Omondi’s release.
“I want to thank all the advocates who have stood in solidarity with Eric Omondi, as well as members of the international community who came to support him. We are pleased that he has been released on a personal bond,” Owino said.
One of Omondi’s lawyers revealed that the comedian had been charged with obstruction contrary to Section 53(1)(c) of the Kenya Roads Act, but questioned the basis of the case.
“Eric Omondi was charged with obstruction. What is baffling is that during investigations, his funds and personal items were confiscated. We are left wondering how those items could have obstructed traffic,” the lawyer said.
The defense team vowed to challenge the charges when the matter returns to court on June 22.
“We will come back on June 22 and vigorously defend our client. Eric Omondi is a humanitarian who runs the Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative that has helped many vulnerable Kenyans. We want him out there continuing his good work,” counsel stated.
Lawyers representing the comedian also criticized the circumstances surrounding his arrest, claiming he was removed from an aircraft while travelling to Kisumu for a scheduled performance.
“Our client was pulled out of an aeroplane while heading to Kisumu where he had been contracted to perform. This denied him his constitutional and economic right to earn a living,” one of the lawyers told reporters.
The legal team further accused authorities of deliberately arresting Omondi on a Friday to ensure he spent the weekend in custody.
“Despite several requests for police bail, it was denied. The intention was clearly to have him spend the weekend behind bars. We thank the court for exercising its discretion and releasing him,” the lawyer said.
According to the defense, the charges stem from protests held on May 18 against the rising cost of fuel.
“Three weeks after the demonstrations, the prosecution suddenly moved to arrest Mr. Omondi. That raises serious questions about the motive behind the case,” counsel argued.
The lawyers also challenged the allegation that Omondi obstructed traffic during the protests.
“How does a mobile phone obstruct traffic? How do jerrycans used by ordinary Kenyans to fetch water obstruct traffic? These are issues we will challenge in court,” they said.
Several lawyers who attended the proceedings criticized what they described as the re-emergence of “Kamata Fridays,” a practice where suspects are arrested on Fridays and held over the weekend before appearing in court.
“This country cannot become a place where people fear Fridays because they know they could be arrested and detained over the weekend. That amounts to punishment before trial and is unconstitutional,” one advocate stated.
Artists and supporters who accompanied Omondi to court praised the legal team and welcomed his release.
“We thank Babu Owino and all the lawyers who stood with Eric. As artists, we are encouraged to see people defending freedom and justice,” said one of Omondi’s colleagues.
Speaking briefly after his release, Omondi thanked his lawyers, supporters and members of the public who stood by him during the court process.
The case is scheduled for mention on June 22, when the defense is expected to challenge the charges and seek Omondi’s acquittal.
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