This archive report was first published on 16 July 2021.
Ezekiel Mutua vs Eric Omondi: A Heated Exchange Over Allegations of Poverty ¶
On July 16, 2021, Ezekiel Mutua, the CEO of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), made some explosive claims about Eric Omondi, a popular comedian and actor.
According to Mutua, Omondi is poor and unable to support the film industry. In an interview with Milele FM, Mutua dismissed reports that Omondi gave Bahati the Sh200K he was to receive from his office (KFCB) before the partnership was cancelled.
"Hakuna pesa alitoa, Omondi ni maskini bana hizo ni sarakasi tu za kujionyesha tu," Mutua said. "Iliwekwa account gani kama ilikuwa pesa za kweli. Wanafanya hizo sarakasi kukejeli serekali lakini hakuna pesa ya kweli."
Mutua went on to say that Omondi and other comedians are poor and unable to support themselves, let alone the film industry. He accused them of making "useless content" and "sarakasi" that only brings them fame but no real money.
"Yeye anatengeneza pesa wapi, ndio maana wanaingilia hiyo mambo ya umalaya," Mutua said. "Useless content ya Wife Material, coz he can only thrive on those sides. But I real sense the content that has money is the one that is good for family, children."
Omondi responded angrily to Mutua's allegations, denying that he is poor and accusing Mutua of being a pathological liar. He said that he makes his money through hard work and that Mutua's allegations are unfounded.
"ENOUGH is ENOUGH!!! We have to stop this NONSENSE!!! All the money I make is through blood and Sweat, most of the money you make is through Misappropriation of Public funds," Omondi wrote on Instagram.
He also accused Mutua of being a liar and of breaking his promises to support the film industry. Omondi said that he will ensure that Mutua is not in office by September this year.
"I am currently in Dar Es Salaam about to make HISTORY by filling up the NATIONAL STADIUM and making money while at it. I promise you by the time I land back in kenya I will ensure you are not occupying that office by September, juu you can not call an entire industry MASKINI ambao hawajiwezi," Omondi wrote.
