Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has pleaded not guilty to a charge of obstructing traffic, contrary to Section 58(c) of the Kenya Roads Act.

According to the charge sheet, Omondi is accused of unlawfully interfering with the movement of vehicles on Kimathi Street in Nairobi on May 18, 2026. The prosecution alleges that he offloaded 120 empty 10-litre plastic jerricans from an Isuzu lorry (registration number KAR 508Y), thereby disrupting the free flow of traffic.

His legal team that comprises Danstan Omari, Embakasi MP Babu Owino and Mango, urged the court to grant him favourable bond terms. They argued that the offence is bailable and that, there were no compelling reasons to justify his continued detention.

Omari told the court that the jerricans were intended for distribution to members of the public to assist them in fetching and storing water. He noted that many Kenyans rely on such containers for their daily water needs.

“The accused has political ambitions and had purchased the jerricans for distribution to his supporters. It is widely known that jerricans are essential for water storage. Since they were confiscated, the intended beneficiaries have been unable to access them,” Omari submitted.

Babu Owino further informed the court that Omondi was arrested under questionable circumstances. He claimed that police officers forced him from a flight before arresting him.

Citing Article 28 of the Constitution that guarantees the right to human dignity, Owino argued that the manner of arrest at an international airport was humiliating and degrading.

“The arrest was carried out in an embarrassing manner at an international airport. When I went to where he was being held and requested bail, the officer in charge declined,” Owino told the court.

Owino also challenged the basis of the charge, stating that the alleged offence occurred on a day when protests had already disrupted movement within the city.

“Your Honour, there was effectively no traffic to obstruct on that day. Even police vehicles were reportedly grounded due to lack of fuel,” he argued.

He urged the court to release Omondi on a personal bond, adding that law enforcement agencies should prioritise more serious criminal matters.

The prosecution did not oppose bail application, but argued that Omondi had previously been summoned but failed to comply leading to his arrest. They also clarified that he had not boarded the flight at the time he was apprehended.

After considering submissions from both sides, the court granted Omondi release on a personal bond of Ksh100,000 ($772.50).

The case is scheduled for mention on July 2, 2026.

• A Tell Media report / By Elizabeth Were