Comedian and activist Eric Omondi was rushed to hospital on Tuesday, just hours after embarking on his much-publicised walk from Nairobi to Mombasa.
The more than 450-kilometre trek was meant to highlight the economic difficulties facing many Kenyans. Omondi began the journey in the morning accompanied by a small group of supporters.
Prior to the walk, he had announced the initiative on his social media platforms, describing it as a peaceful and symbolic protest against the rising cost of living. Supporters gathered briefly to flag him off before he proceeded along the busy highway.
However, as the day wore on, the physical toll of the journey became evident. Witnesses said the intense heat and long hours on foot left him visibly exhausted and dehydrated.
Members of his team reportedly grew concerned after he began struggling to maintain pace and showed signs of extreme fatigue. The walk was halted as a safety precaution.
He was taken to a nearby medical facility where health workers examined him and placed him under observation. Sources close to his team indicated that he was stabilised and responding well to treatment.
Doctors recommended rest and further evaluation before any consideration of resuming the journey.
News of his hospitalisation quickly spread online, drawing mixed reactions. Supporters expressed concern and sent well-wishes for a speedy recovery, while others questioned whether sufficient medical and logistical arrangements had been made for such a demanding undertaking.
In recent years, Omondi has taken on a more outspoken role in social and economic advocacy, organising demonstrations and campaigns aimed at drawing attention to governance and cost-of-living concerns. His actions often spark widespread public discussion.
Medical experts frequently warn that long-distance endurance efforts, particularly in high temperatures, require adequate preparation, hydration, and scheduled breaks to prevent health complications.
By Tuesday evening, his team reassured the public that his condition was not critical, citing dehydration and exhaustion as the primary issues.
They maintained that he was receiving proper medical care and that any decision regarding the continuation of the walk would strictly depend on medical advice.
What began as a bold symbolic protest has temporarily shifted into concern for his health, as Kenyans await updates on his recovery and his next course of action.
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