Renowned comedian Eric Omondi, celebrated for his fearless engagements with the government, was arrested after leading a protest outside Parliament against the Financial Act 2024.
The father to Kyla and a loving partner to Lynne, led the demonstration to voice his opposition to the proposed bill, which he claims will further burden Kenyans.
The protesters, carried placards with messages written in red such as “WABUNGE WASALITI,” “MAMA MBOGA REVOLUTION,” and a crossed-out “FINANCIAL ACT 2024.”
The attention drawn by the demonstration and the number of turnout of the protestant showed dissatisfaction with the government’s financial policies.
In a social media post, Omondi declared, “We WILL NOT ALLOW this government to SUFFOCATE Kenyans with FINANCIAL ACT 2024!!! Kenyans are suffering and Dying in Hospitals without medicine while their TAX is used to Buy cars, Houses, and EXPENSIVE Travels abroad. #SayNOtoFinanceAct2024.”
The the public didn’t go quite about the protest. Some critics suggested Omondi should wait until the 2027 elections to seek a parliamentary seat himself. One notable comment stated,
“Eric Omondi asubiri 2027 aingie bungeni tumwone.”
Member of Parliament for Mumias East constituency, Peter Salasya, responded to Omondi’s allegations, questioning his understanding of the legislative process.
“Aty anaita WABUNGE WASALITI, huyu Eric alisomea wapi?” Salasya said, “saa hii ndio tumemaliza process ya budget ndio tuende Kwa public finance ambayo hyo bado haijafika Kwa bunge. Hatujapiga kura bado in fact it is still under public participation.”
Salasya’s comments, however, were not well-received by all. Some members of the public defended Omondi, praising his courage to speak out. One supporter remarked,
“Respect for ERIC OMONDI. This MP Salasya is watering himself down. He could have just kept mute and let his work speak for itself.”
As the debate over the Financial Act 2024 continues, Eric Omondi’s arrest has only intensified public scrutiny of the government’s fiscal policies and legislative transparency.
The comedian remains in custody and his supporters are calling for his immediate release, vowing to continue their resistance against the bill.