Comedian and content creator Eric Omondi was on Friday sentenced to serve one month in jail or pay an alternative Sh 10,000 fine.
Eric was convicted alongside Peter Mukundi, Elisha Ochieng, Felix Ikutwa, Frank Misango, Alpha Juma, Cyril Isindu, Bonface Bahati, William Leshinka, Walder Sisulu, Philip Kiura, Ken Ndula, Mbwaya Mwale Duncan Wafula Rodgers Livoi and Wyclif Ligano.
Omondi and his co accused had earlier in February pleaded not guilty to the offence but when they appeared in court, they changed their plea to guilty.
They told Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina that they were changing plea to guilty.
The confirmed that on February 21 this year at Parliament buildings they took part in an unlawful assembly.
In mitigation, they pleaded with the court to grant them lenient sentence saying that they were only advocating against the high cost of living.
Omondi asked the court not to give them a harsh sentence because that would discourage other activists from advocating for their human rights due fear of being given harsh sentences.
“I have considered the mitigation made and the nature of the offense which is a misdemeanor and the fact that the prosecution has said that they are first time offenders,” the court said.
Magistrate Onyina also applauded Omondi and his co accused for saving courts time by choosing to plead guilty instead of going to full hearing.
“I have also considered that they have saved the court’s judicial time. Each of the suspects is hereby fined Ksh 10,000 in default to serve one month in jail.” Onyina said.
Omondi and the other convicts have fourteen days to appeal if they are dissatisfied with the sentence.
