Eric Omondi says artists should stand with Kenyans regardless of who is in power

Eric Omondi has weighed in on the growing debate over the role of artists and influencers in politics, arguing that entertainers should remain aligned with ordinary Kenyans regardless of which government is in power.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Omondi said artists have a responsibility to reflect society’s concerns rather than act as representatives of the government.

“I think artists must always stand with the people no matter the government, because governments come and go,” Omondi said.

He described artists as a mirror of society and argued that their platforms should be used to highlight issues affecting the public.

“Msanii ni kioo cha jamii, so they must always stand and fight for the people,” he said.

Omondi consequently questioned whether artists should take on roles that involve defending or promoting government positions.

“I don’t think it’s wise for an artist to speak on behalf of the government,” he stated.

Omondi weighs in on influencers supporting government

His remarks come amid an ongoing debate over Kenyan influencers and entertainers who publicly support or work with government institutions.

Omondi also appeared to challenge influencers whom he believes have not been sufficiently transparent about their political or commercial positions.

“As an influencer, you must be proud of your product. Come out and stop beating about the bush,” he said.

His comments come shortly after filmmaker and content creator Abel Mutua defended influencers who choose to support the government, arguing that they are entitled to make their own political decisions.

“Why are you letting an influencer make decisions for you? You know where the shoe pinches; you make the decisions,” Mutua said.

Mutua maintained that influencers have the right to support whichever political side they choose.

“An influencer is well within their rights to support however they want,” he added.

He also questioned criticism directed at influencers who work with or support the government, noting that many Kenyans interact with government institutions in various professional capacities.

“Why castigate someone for influencing for the government, yet everybody else is working for the government in some way?” Mutua posed.

Debate over artists and politics

The contrasting views have added to a broader discussion about the role of celebrities and influencers in Kenya’s political space.

While Omondi argues that artists should remain closely aligned with the public and use their platforms to highlight social concerns, Mutua’s position is that influencers should be free to make their own political and professional choices.

The debate also raises questions about whether public figures should remain neutral, openly support political causes or collaborate with government institutions while maintaining their individual positions.