Eric Omondi Explains Why He Did Not Show Up For June Protests

Comedian turned political activist Eric Omondi has broken his silence on why he skipped the Thursday, June 25, 2026, Gen Z memorial demonstrations. Despite being one of the most prominent public figures leading youth protests in recent years, Omondi revealed that his recent brushes with the law forced him off the streets.

Speaking in a video address, the activist disclosed that a grueling cycle of recent arrests and ongoing court appearances heavily influenced his decision to sit out the street marches.

“Jana nimekuwa kortini, juzi nimeshikwa, so Wakenya pia waende sasa. Mimi nawasupport (Yesterday I was in court, the other day I was arrested, so let other Kenyans go out now. I am supporting them).” — Eric Omondi

A Shift from the Streets to the Sanctuary

Recounting his recent ordeal, Omondi noted that he had just spent three consecutive nights behind bars—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—prior to his arraignment. Instead of joining the physical street processions, he chose to dedicate the anniversary to quiet reflection.

• Honoring the Fallen: Omondi stated that he would spend the day in church, framing prayer as his personal way of honoring the youth who lost their lives during the historic 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

• A Call to Commemorate: Despite his physical absence, he urged Kenyans to courageously go out, remember the victims, and mark the day, maintaining that peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right.

Blaming the State for Casualties

Omondi did not mince his words regarding the security apparatus, directly accusing the government and the National Police Service of instigating the violence often witnessed during public demonstrations.

“Go out, it’s your right to demonstrate, na serikali itulie juu hao ndio wanafanyanga michafuko (and the government should calm down because they are the ones who cause chaos),” Omondi fired. “All the damage is done by the police and the Kenyan government.”

His remarks coincided with a heavily fortified Nairobi, where top opposition leaders and bereaved families defied intense police blockades to lay wreaths outside Parliament in honor of the victims.