Comedian Eric Omondi and seven others have denied charges of obstructing traffic in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Omondi appeared in court on Tuesday alongside Cyprian Ateka, Alex Ngungu, John Ndungu, Kelvin Mwasia, Josiah Ogutu, Wilson Ouma and Olive Odhiambo.
The eight pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Eight accused of blocking traffic on Moi Avenue
The prosecution alleges that the eight committed the offence on September 7, 2026.
According to the State, they acted together with other people who have not been charged.
The group allegedly obstructed the movement of vehicles along Moi Avenue in Nairobi County.
As a result, the prosecution said their actions disrupted traffic on the busy CBD road.
The eight face charges under Section 58(c) of the Kenya Roads Act, Chapter 408 of the Laws of Kenya.
Lawyer seeks free bond
Meanwhile, lawyer Danstan Omari asked the court to release the accused on personal bond.
Omari argued that the case followed a pattern of arrests linked to political activities.
He claimed that authorities had previously arrested people in similar cases. However, he said some of those cases were later withdrawn or not pursued.
In addition, Omari told the court that he had represented Omondi since 2017.
He said the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga had instructed him to represent the comedian.
According to the lawyer, previous cases involving Omondi did not proceed to completion.
“The State will always withdraw. Similar to this one, the State will not have witnesses to proceed,” Omari said.
Furthermore, he accused the prosecution of taking what he called a “galloping approach” to arrests and court cases.
Omari links arrest to constitutional campaign
The lawyer also linked Omondi’s arrest to his involvement in a constitutional amendment initiative.
For example, he told the court that Omondi had previously participated in collecting signatures for the Punguza Mizigo initiative.
Omari argued that the accused were exercising their constitutional rights.
He said those rights include participating in initiatives aimed at changing the Constitution.
At the same time, the lawyer urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to remain independent.
He asked the ODPP not to become what he described as a “conveyor belt of the executive.”
“These are national heroes who want the counties to be reduced from 47 to eight,” Omari told the court.
Therefore, he argued that any proposed constitutional changes should go through the proper constitutional process.
Lawyer warns against political use of courts
Omari also asked the court to avoid becoming involved in political disputes.
“Let this court, let the judiciary not be used in political battles. Let us deal with criminals who have committed crimes,” he said.
Meanwhile, he told the court that Omondi has international engagements.
The lawyer cited a planned show in the United States.
He argued that such engagements could help promote Kenya’s image internationally.
Eight released on free bond
The prosecution did not oppose the application for the accused persons to leave custody.
Consequently, the court released all eight on free bond.
They will remain free as they await the hearing and determination of the case.
