Comedian and activist Eric Omondi was arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Monday, September 7, while collecting signatures in support of his Punguza Mzigo constitutional reform campaign. Omondi was apprehended by plain-clothes police officers near the National Archives, where he had been leading a public signature collection exercise. Footage circulating online showed officers handcuffing the activist before placing him in a police vehicle. In the video, Omondi is heard questioning the officers about why he was being arrested and where he was being taken. Authorities had not publicly stated the reason for the arrest in the reports available at the time.

The arrest came hours after Omondi launched the Nairobi phase of his nationwide signature drive. The campaign is seeking one million signatures to support proposed constitutional amendments that would significantly restructure Kenya’s governance system. Omondi wants the current 47 counties reduced to eight larger regional units, based broadly on the former provincial structure. He has also proposed the abolition of several political positions, including senators, women representatives and nominated parliamentary seats. The comedian argues that reducing the number of political and administrative structures would lower the cost of government and free resources for public services such as education.

Before arriving in Nairobi, Omondi said he had taken the signature drive to other parts of the country. Reports on Monday indicated that the campaign had gathered approximately 430,000 to 450,000 signatures, according to figures attributed to Omondi and his campaign team. Omondi had announced that the Nairobi signature collection would continue at the Archives through Friday as he works towards his one-million-signature target. The initiative is being pursued as a popular initiative under Article 257 of the Constitution. However, collecting the required signatures alone would not automatically result in a referendum or change the Constitution. The proposal would have to pass through the constitutional procedures, including verification and consideration by the relevant institutions.

Omondi’s proposal has opened a wider debate over the cost and structure of Kenya’s devolved system of government. Supporters of the campaign argue that reducing the number of counties and political offices could cut government expenditure and redirect funds towards essential services. Critics, however, have questioned the practicality and constitutional implications of dismantling the current county structure. Lang’ata MP Jalang’o also weighed in on the campaign, warning Omondi that constitutional change involves a lengthy legal and political process beyond simply collecting signatures.

For now, attention is focused on Omondi’s arrest and whether the incident will affect the ongoing signature collection exercise. The activist has maintained that the Punguza Mzigo campaign will continue as he seeks public support for his proposed changes to Kenya’s governance structure.