Comedian Eric Omondi has been released on a free bond after pleading not guilty to a charge of allegedly obstructing the movement of motor vehicles along a Moi Avenue.
Omondi appeared before the Milimani Law Courts alongside seven other accused persons following their arrest in Nairobi.
The eight denied a charge of obstructing the operation of motor vehicles on a road, an offence contrary to Section 58(c) of the Kenya Roads Act, Chapter 403.
During the bond proceedings, the prosecution asked the court to impose reasonable bail or bond conditions to ensure that the accused return whenever required.
The defence opposed stringent terms, asking the court to release the accused on personal bonds. Lawyers argued that the proceedings should not amount to punishment for conduct they described as an exercise of their constitutional rights.
The defence also told the court there was no indication that any of the accused was likely to abscond or interfere with prosecution witnesses.
In determining the appropriate terms for Omondi, the court considered his previous appearances before the Milimani courts.
The magistrate noted that Omondi had other cases before the court and had consistently attended proceedings when required. His record, the court found, demonstrated that he was unlikely to evade the court process.
He was consequently released on a free bond.
The remaining seven accused persons were each ordered to execute a personal bond of Ksh2,000, with the court noting that their previous attendance records were not available for consideration.
The court further directed the prosecution to provide the defence with the documents it intends to rely on during the trial, including the charge sheet and witness statements.
The parties were directed to prepare for the hearing, with the case scheduled to return to court on September 29, 2026.
