Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has staged a dramatic roadside protest in Nairobi over the soaring cost of fuel, pulling dozens of empty yellow jerricans along a major road in a symbolic demonstration aimed at highlighting the growing economic burden facing ordinary Kenyans.
In a viral video shared across his social media platforms, Omondi was seen dragging a long chain of empty jerricans tied together as he walked near a petrol station, accompanied by several young men who helped arrange the containers along the roadside.
The protest came just hours after the latest fuel price review by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which announced sharp increases in fuel prices, including a Sh16.65 rise per litre of Super Petrol and a Sh46.29 increase for diesel.
The empty jerricans — commonly associated with storing fuel and water in many Kenyan households — appeared to symbolise the growing pressure high fuel costs are placing on transport, food prices and daily living expenses.
Speaking during the demonstration, Omondi accused the government of failing to address the worsening cost of living crisis affecting millions of Kenyans.
“Hi guys, Eric Omondi here. The cost of living in this country is extremely high. Kila kitu ni expensive, nyanya imepanda, school fees imepanda, mafuta imepanda,” he said in the video.
The outspoken activist went on to criticise political leaders, claiming they were living comfortably while ordinary citizens continued to struggle with rising prices of essential commodities.
“Leaders are living in luxury while the common mwananchi living standards are going up every day. Lazima tuseme imetosha,” Omondi added.
During the protest, Omondi wore a dark hoodie branded “Sisi Kwa Sisi” and heavy metal chains draped across his shoulders, adding to the theatrical imagery that has become synonymous with many of his demonstrations.
At one point in the clip, the comedian called on Kenyans to join him in planned protests on Monday should fuel prices remain unchanged.
“Na hii Monday kama mafuta haitakuwa imeteremuka, tupatane tao. Kila mtu abebe kibuyu,” he declared.
The footage quickly spread online, triggering mixed reactions from Kenyans on social media. While some praised Omondi for using his platform to spotlight the struggles facing ordinary citizens, others questioned whether symbolic protests could influence government policy on fuel pricing.
Omondi has in recent years reinvented himself as a vocal activist, frequently using elaborate public stunts to draw attention to economic hardship, unemployment and rising living costs in Kenya.
Previous demonstrations have seen him use chains, vegetables and empty cooking utensils as visual symbols of the challenges facing struggling households.
The latest protest comes amid growing public anger over rising fuel costs, with economists warning that higher pump prices could trigger further increases in transport fares and the cost of basic commodities across the country.
Also Read: Limuru MP John Kiragu Injured In Grisly Crash With Fuel Bowser