Nairobi, Kenya – Popular comedian Eric Omondi was arrested by police officers manning the parliament buildings on Friday, June 21, during a demonstration against the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Eric Omondi, known for his vocal stance on political issues, was protesting outside Bunge Towers when he was apprehended. In widely circulated videos, Omondi can be seen seated atop a horse, leading anti-tax chants towards the police officers observing from a distance.
However, the demonstration was abruptly halted when police officers intervened to disperse the growing crowd. The videos show officers stealthily approaching Omondi before forcefully dislodging him from the horse. They were then seen whipping him repeatedly before taking him into custody.
The comedian’s fellow protesters scattered, leaving him crawling on the road leading to parliament as officers detained him. This incident follows a similar event two weeks earlier when Omondi was arrested while demonstrating outside the same buildings against the proposed tax measures.
Despite being handcuffed, Omondi continued to shout, attempting to rally the protesters to support him. Protesters, many of whom were women dressed in sackcloth, held large placards demanding Members of Parliament to intervene on the contentious bill. They accused legislators of betrayal, fearing the Finance Bill would be passed into law despite public opposition.
This latest arrest highlights the ongoing tension and public discontent surrounding the Finance Bill 2024, with activists like Omondi at the forefront of the protests.
