Babu Owino Vows to Secure Eric Omondi’s Release After Dramatic JKIA Arrest
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has vowed to fight for the release of comedian and activist Eric Omondi following his dramatic arrest at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), describing the accusations against him as baseless and politically motivated.
Speaking shortly after visiting Omondi in custody, the outspoken legislator accused authorities of using the criminal justice system to intimidate the comedian because of his vocal activism on issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
Omondi was arrested on Friday while aboard a plane preparing to depart for Kisumu County, where he was scheduled to attend several engagements. The arrest immediately sparked reactions from supporters and political leaders, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the operation.
According to Babu, investigators informed them that the comedian’s arrest was linked to ongoing investigations into recent demonstrations against rising fuel prices in Nairobi.
However, the legislator dismissed the allegations, arguing that the case lacked legal merit and would ultimately collapse in court.
“This is a fishing expedition. There is nowhere this matter will go because there is no solid legal foundation to support these accusations,” Babu said.
The MP further claimed that Omondi was being selectively targeted because of his consistent activism and criticism of government policies that have affected many Kenyans.
Legal Battle Looms
Babu announced that he would personally take part in Omondi’s legal defense and expressed confidence that the comedian would regain his freedom soon.
He said the matter is expected to be mentioned in court on Monday and challenged investigators to present credible evidence.
“We will be in court on Monday, and I want to tell them to come prepared,” he stated.
The legislator also questioned the timing of the arrest, alleging that authorities deliberately detained Omondi on a Friday to ensure he spent the weekend behind bars before appearing in court.
According to Babu, such tactics are commonly used to inconvenience suspects and create psychological pressure despite the absence of strong charges.
Nevertheless, he downplayed the significance of the weekend detention, insisting that spending time in a police cell should not be viewed as punishment.
“If somebody sleeps in a police station, it is not punishment. To me, it gives me an opportunity to have a ‘me time.’ You are alone, communicate with yourself, realign your ambitions, and think about your vision,” he remarked.
Babu also disclosed that attempts to secure Omondi’s release through police bond had not succeeded.
DCI Defends Arrest
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has defended the arrest, maintaining that it was conducted lawfully as part of ongoing investigations.
In a statement, the agency confirmed that detectives from the Central unit working together with officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) Nairobi Region arrested Omondi at JKIA on June 5, 2026.
The DCI stated that the arrest followed what it described as credible intelligence gathered during investigations into offences allegedly committed during recent fuel-related protests in Nairobi.
Authorities said the comedian was taken to the Nairobi Region DCI Headquarters, where he was recording a statement while being processed ahead of possible arraignment in court.
Investigators further revealed that Omondi’s case forms part of a broader investigation involving several other suspects connected to the same incidents.
According to the agency, some suspects linked to the protests had already been arrested and presented before court on May 18, 2026, while investigations continue.
“The DCI will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone involved in such offences. No matter where you hide, the long arm of the law will catch up with you,” the agency stated.
Social Media Post Raises Alarm
Before the DCI officially confirmed his arrest, Omondi had already raised alarm through his social media platforms, claiming that he had been apprehended by a group of unidentified men.
The posts quickly spread online, prompting concern among supporters and triggering widespread debate over the circumstances of his detention.
As the legal and political storm surrounding the comedian intensifies, all eyes are now on Monday’s court proceedings, where investigators are expected to outline the allegations against him.
The case has once again thrust Omondi into the national spotlight, raising fresh questions about the intersection of activism, public protests, and law enforcement in Kenya.
For now, the comedian remains in custody as investigations continue and the country awaits the next chapter in a case that has already generated significant public interest.
