Youth and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba faced a challenging task addressing Kenyans at an event held in memory of comedian and singer Fred Omondi, who tragically passed away in a road accident. The event, titled “Fred Omondi: The Last Laugh,” was intended as a celebration of his life but became tense when CS Ababu took the stage. Despite attempts to continue, he eventually yielded to his colleagues amid a tumultuous atmosphere.
Renowned comedian Churchill intervened to calm the crowd, but instead of easing tensions, the audience erupted into anti-Ruto chants. Fred Omondi, brother of the well-known comedian and activist Eric Omondi, added an emotional layer to the evening. The escalating tension was captured in circulating social media videos.
Throughout the turmoil, CS Ababu remained composed, acknowledging the passionate energy of the crowd while reaffirming their purpose to honor Fred Omondi. He offered a touching tribute and contributed Sh300,000 towards Fred’s funeral expenses. Even amidst the jeers, he maintained a light-hearted perspective, remarking, “Na leo make sure you get enough content. The booing is great content… I have enjoyed this.”
The memorial, held at Carnivore Simba Saloon, served as both a fundraising effort and a celebration of Fred’s life. Following the event, CS Ababu took to social media, expressing respect for the crowd’s fervor and addressing concerns over the Finance Bill, 2024. He emphasized the importance of collective effort in nation-building once emotions had settled.
CS Ababu Namwamba’s resilience and his willingness to engage with differing opinions underscored his commitment to honoring Fred Omondi’s legacy, even in challenging circumstances.
