Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi was arrested in Nairobi CBD on Monday, September 7, 2026, during his latest push for constitutional reforms.
Omondi was reportedly collecting signatures near the Kenya National Archives when police officers detained him. The arrest comes as Nairobi experiences heightened police activity and arrests linked to demonstrations in the CBD.
Omondi Targets One Million Signatures
Omondi has launched a signature drive under his Punguza Mzigo campaign. He wants Kenyans to support major changes to the country’s governance structure.
His proposal seeks to reduce Kenya’s 47 counties to eight larger regions. He argues that the current system has created an expensive and overlapping leadership structure.
Omondi previously claimed that his campaign had collected more than 430,000 signatures. He wants to reach one million signatures before pushing the proposal to the next stage.
What Does Punguza Mzigo Propose?
Omondi’s proposal goes beyond reducing the number of counties. He has called for the abolition of the Senate and Women Representative positions.
He also wants nominated seats in Parliament and county assemblies removed. Additionally, he supports reducing the number of elected MCAs.
According to Omondi, these changes would reduce the cost of running government. He has further proposed redirecting the savings towards free education from primary school to university.
Why Does Omondi Want Eight Regions?
Omondi argues that Kenya is over-represented at both national and county levels. He says taxpayers carry the financial burden through salaries, allowances and administrative costs. However, critics have questioned whether returning to eight regions would weaken local representation.
They also warn that larger administrative units could disadvantage minority communities. Furthermore, reducing counties would require significant constitutional changes.
Can One Million Signatures Trigger a Referendum?
Reaching one million signatures would not automatically change Kenya’s Constitution. The proposed reforms would still have to follow the constitutional process for amendments.
The campaign therefore faces several legal and political hurdles before Kenyans could vote on the proposals. Omondi has said he wants the referendum held alongside the 2027 General Election.
He argues that this would avoid the additional cost of holding a separate national vote.
Omondi’s Latest Arrest
The Monday arrest adds to Omondi’s recent encounters with police. He was also arrested on September 2 after protesters attempted to storm Parliament during a demonstration over the rising cost of living.
His latest detention comes days after his court case involving alleged obstruction of motorists was adjourned to November 11.
The Punguza Mzigo campaign is now likely to generate even greater debate over devolution, the cost of government and Kenya’s 2027 political landscape.
