Kenyan comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi has expressed deep frustration following the demolition of classrooms he helped establish in Turkana County.
The structures, built to provide a conducive learning environment for local children, were reportedly dismantled by government officials on Tuesday, citing procedural oversights.
Earlier this month, Omondi initiated a fundraiser to construct a classroom for children in Kapoo, Turkana County, who had been studying under harsh conditions.
In a video shared on his Instagram account in January 2025, he highlighted the struggles faced by the children, showing them sitting on the ground, barefoot, under the scorching sun, using their hands to write in the dirt due to the lack of basic learning materials like books and pens.
He expressed concern about the unfair circumstances the children endured and pledged immediate action to improve their learning environment.
The activist urged Kenyans to join his initiative by contributing to the noble cause.
By January 6, 2025, with the support of his Sisi Kwa Sisi movement, Omondi and his team had constructed a classroom in a single day, providing uniforms, books, and shoes for the children. The school was named Teacher Kamaret Primary School, in honor of Elizabeth Kamaret, a dedicated volunteer who had been teaching the children under a tree.
Omondi noted that more needed to be done, as not every student had uniforms, and additional classrooms were required.
However, on Tuesday, reports emerged that the newly built classrooms had been demolished by local government officials, who claimed that proper protocols were not followed during their construction.
The news first went viral on social media after residents in the area called the actions inhumane and asking county officials to explain the reasoning behind it.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Omondi expressed his dismay, revealing that not only were the classrooms destroyed, but the children’s uniforms were also confiscated.
“It is very sad that they demolished the classroom we built for the kids in Turkana but it’s even WORSE that watoto walinyanganywa Uniform na Viatu…Are these people even human? How dark are your hearts?” Mr Omondi asked.
This incident has sparked a debate about the challenges faced by private individuals and organisations in contributing to community development, especially in marginalised areas.
Many are calling for a review of bureaucratic processes to facilitate, rather than hinder, such noble initiatives.
As of now, there has been no official response from the local government officials.
