Kenya: Eric Omondi Arrested During Punguza Mzigo Signature Drive

What the report says

Comedian and activist Eric Omondi was arrested in Nairobi on Monday morning while taking part in a signature collection drive for his proposed “Punguza Mzigo” referendum campaign, according to Capital FM, which AllAfrica republished. The arrest took place at the Archives area in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where Omondi had been leading supporters in gathering signatures for the initiative.

Capital FM reported that plainclothes police officers detained Omondi and handcuffed him before placing him in a vehicle. The officer who initially took him into custody did not immediately explain the reason for the arrest. Other police officers reportedly said he was being held over allegations that he had organized or joined a gathering without notifying authorities.

Omondi had promoted the drive on social media as part of his push for constitutional reforms aimed at lowering the cost and size of government. His proposal, as described in the report, includes replacing Kenya’s 47 counties with eight larger regional administrations and reducing the number of elected and administrative offices. He has argued that savings could be redirected to public services, including education.

The report places the episode in the broader debate over Kenya’s devolved system, which is protected by the constitution and would require formal legal steps to change. It also notes that Omondi has previously backed similar reform campaigns.