Court denies comedian Omondi anticipatory orders
The court yesterday declined to issue orders sought by comedian Eric Omondi to stop the police from arresting and intimidating him, as the matter is still in court.
In his ruling, Milimani’s Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina said that it is not within the jurisdiction of his court to issue anticipatory orders, as such orders are reserved for courts of higher jurisdiction.
Lawyer Danstan Omari told the court that their client was arrested on March 1, while distributing food to the vulnerable, in a food distribution exercise, on account that he had violated the bond terms issued by the same court.
He further informed the court that Omondi, after the arrest, was moved from one police station to another without being charged or being arraigned in court.
“Your honour, our client was arrested last week and taken to the Industrial Area Police Station, then to Gigiri Police Station where he was held incommunicado and his lawyers denied the opportunity to access him,” Omari told the court.
Unlawful demonstrations
He continued, “He was released later in the afternoon the following day and told to go home and not to joke.”
Lawyer Cliff Ombeta also weighed in on the matter adding that the court should equally protect the accused persons the same way it protects the prosecution.
The comedian was arrested on February 21 alongside 16 others along Parliament Road and arraigned in court on February 22 where he was charged with organizing unlawful demonstrations and was released on a cash bail of Sh10,000.
