Erick Omondi Arrested in Nairobi CBD While Collecting Signatures for “Punguza Mizigo” Push to Cut Counties from 47 to 8
Comedian and activist Erick Omondi was arrested earlier today in Nairobi’s Central Business District while collecting signatures in support of his proposed “Punguza Mizigo” initiative, which seeks to reduce Kenya’s 47 counties to eight.
Omondi was reportedly gathering public support for the constitutional reform proposal when police moved in and arrested him in the CBD.
The arrest has sparked debate online, with supporters rallying behind the comedian and activist over his call for a leaner devolved government structure.
Supporters argue that reducing the number of counties could significantly lower the cost of running government and free up public resources for development and essential services.
Figures cited by supporters put the combined basic gross monthly salaries of governors, senators, Members of the National Assembly and MCAs at approximately KSh621.5 million.
Under the current system, Kenya has 47 governors, 67 senators, 349 Members of the National Assembly and 2,222 MCAs, creating a large wage bill for elected political leaders.
Omondi’s proposal has therefore reignited the wider conversation about the cost of governance, the size of Kenya’s political class and whether the country can sustain its current administrative structure.
His supporters say the focus should be on reducing the cost of leadership and redirecting public funds toward healthcare, education, infrastructure and job creation.
However, any proposal to alter the number of counties would require constitutional change and is likely to trigger intense political and public debate.
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