By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 05, 2026 - Popular comedian and activist Eric Omondi was on Thursday arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as detectives intensified investigations into alleged criminal activities linked to the recent fuel-related protests in Nairobi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Omondi was apprehended on June 5 following what it described as credible intelligence gathered by investigators probing incidents that occurred during the demonstrations.
In a statement, the DCI said detectives from DCI Central, working jointly with officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) Nairobi Region, arrested the comedian and transported him to the Nairobi Regional DCI headquarters for processing and recording of a statement.
The agency said Omondi is expected to be arraigned in court once the processing is completed.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirms the arrest of Erick Omondi today, June 5, 2026, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport," the agency said.
According to investigators, the arrest forms part of a broader probe into offences allegedly committed under the guise of the fuel-related protests that recently rocked parts of Nairobi.
The latest arrest comes weeks after several other suspects linked to the same incidents were rounded up and arraigned in court on May 18.
Although the DCI did not immediately disclose the specific charges Omondi is likely to face, detectives maintained that investigations have established links between him and incidents under scrutiny.
The arrest is likely to reignite debate over the conduct of recent protests and the government's response to demonstrations that have increasingly drawn the participation of activists, politicians and public figures.
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In its statement, the DCI defended the operation, saying constitutional rights to assemble, picket and demonstrate must be exercised within the confines of the law.
"While the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, picket and demonstrate peacefully, these rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law," the agency said.
The investigative agency warned that criminal acts committed during protests would continue to attract police action regardless of the status or profile of those involved.
"Any criminal acts committed under the guise of protests, demonstrations or civic action will be investigated and dealt with firmly in accordance with the law," the statement added.
The DCI further issued a stern warning to individuals suspected of involvement in unlawful activities during demonstrations, saying authorities would continue pursuing all those linked to such offences.
"The DCI will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone involved in such offences. No matter where you hide, the long arm of the law will catch up with you," the agency said.
Omondi's arrest now places one of Kenya's most prominent entertainers and social activists at the centre of an investigation that authorities say is far from over as detectives continue pursuing additional suspects linked to the protests.
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