Comedian Eric Omondi was teargassed and arrested on Monday while protesting the high cost of living in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Police had to lob a tear gas canister into a crowd that was listening to him before pursuing and arresting him around midday.
Omondi had gathered a crowd along Kenyatta Avenue outside Bank of India, where he was addressing the crowd when anti-riot police arrived.
He had climbed a makeshift stand and was wearing a large rope around his neck, complaining about the high cost of living.
As others pursued him, police arrived and lobed a tear gas canister.
He was arrested and taken to the Central Police Station before his scheduled arraignment.
According to Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei, the meeting was illegal, thus their move.
This was not the first time Omondi had called for lower living costs.
He had previously led protests outside the Parliament Buildings.
Despite respecting Azimo leader Mr Raila Odinga, he faulted him for engaging with the government at a time when the cost of living remained high.
“Today I’m not leaving here. I will die here if I have to and the generations that will come after me will be told of a young man who fought for the rights of Kenyas. I’m ready to die for Kenyans,” he shouted.
He added, “Hata polisi wanatumia stima. Hata polisi wanalipa rent (Even the police use electricity. They also pay rent so they feel the pinch)”.
