Comedian Eric Omondi and other activists were arrested for attempting to storm Parliament in protest against the high cost of living in Kenya.
The group had blocked Parliament Road in Nairobi’s Central Business District and called on Kenya Kwanza leaders to reduce the prices of basic commodities, which they referred to as an economic crisis.
The group was repulsed by police officers who lobbed tear gas at them, but they received support from Azimio la Umoja leaders who welcomed Omondi’s involvement and called for more people to join their movement.
The high cost of living in Kenya is largely due to the high rate of inflation, currently standing at around 9 percent, which has significantly affected the prices of essential goods including sugar, bread, cooking oil, and maize flour.
Despite President William Ruto’s promise to lower the cost of living, the rising cost has continued to affect Kenyans, leading to protests and calls for government action.
In January 2023, the country registered its third-lowest inflation rate in five months, but the high cost of living remains a pressing issue for many.
