Comedian and humanitarian activist Eric Omondi has been released after being arrested by the police at Uhuru Park, Nairobi County.
Eric was among those arrested as police thwarted the youths’ plan to hold parallel Mashujaa Day celebrations to commemorate those who were killed during the anti-government protest.
Taking to his Instagram account, Eric disclosed that before his arrest he was at Uhuru Park but he disguised himself because he had been given a heads up and told to be careful.
Eric further narrated how he was arrested by the police officers who had blocked the park since morning but at around noon they used tear gas canisters to stop the protestors from accessing the park.
He went on to say that he was arrested during the running battle with the police because he was unable to run in a buibui.
“Am free!!! So I was in Uhuru Park the whole Morning but I was disguised because I had been given intel and told to be careful…Around 12pm as the police chased us nilishikwa juu I couldn’t run in the bui bui…The police were shocked to realize it was me What’s important is that we showed up and Celebrated our heroes (SIC),” he said.
Eric’s arrest
The comedian on Sunday, October 20, 2024, announced the news of his arrest, as police thwarted his planned Mashujaa Day parallel rally at Uhuru Park, aimed at honouring and remembering Kenyans who lost their lives during the Gen Z-led protests in June and July this year.
“Arrested,” Omondi announced in a statement shared via his official X account.
Police on Sunday engaged in running battles with a section of Kenyans who sought entry into the historical Uhuru Park as Kenya marked the 61st Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Parallel Mashujaa Day Celebrations
Eric who was the brains behind the parallel celebrations on Saturday, October 19 urged Kenyans to arrive at Uhuru Park as early as 6 am.
“Tomorrow, Sunday, I am urging and requesting Kenyans from all walks of life to meet at Uhuru Park from 6 am to 3 pm. We will be celebrating our fallen heroes, brothers, and sisters who died during the protests,” he said.
Omondi, who has transitioned from entertainment to activism, provided specific instructions for attendees.
Participants were required to carry a candle, wear black attire, and bring the Kenyan flag.
“Please come carrying a candle; please come wearing black; and please come carrying a flag. We will be with the parents and families of our fallen heroes. Tukuje mapema, tuombe, tusherekee mashujaa wetu (Let’s come early, pray, and celebrate our heroes). God bless you; see you tomorrow at Uhuru Park at 6 am,” he added.
However, the event did not materialise as the police prevented anyone from accessing the park.