NAIROBI, Kenya — Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has said he will not walk the full 486 kilometres of his planned Nairobi to Mombasa charity trek, citing safety concerns raised by wildlife authorities.
Omondi explained that certain sections of the route pass through wildlife corridors and national park zones where walking would pose serious risks.
Speaking to Vivid Voice News, he said the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) had advised against attempting some stretches on foot.
“There are places that I won’t walk. There is wildlife like lions. Even the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will not advise passing through certain stretches on foot. They will cross me to the other side. There are about 150 kilometres of places that I cannot walk,” Eric said.
As a result, Omondi clarified that he now plans to cover approximately 370 kilometres on foot, instead of the full 486 kilometres initially associated with the “Walk of Love” campaign.
“I will cover about 370 kilometres in four days. Today I’m targeting 70 kilometres and close for the day. We shall rest in Makindu and the next day go to Mtito Andei.”
Injury setback
The revised plan comes days after Omondi sustained ligament injuries in his left leg and hip during the first leg of the journey from Nyayo National Stadium to Machakos.
Speaking on his TikTok page, he said the team had been driven by “excitement, anticipation and hype” at the start of the journey.
At one point, he ran from Nyayo Stadium to Bellevue. In the early hours on Tuesday, Omondi appeared energetic and animated, but the physical strain soon took its toll.
Despite the injury, he has remained determined to continue.
“We continue tomorrow,” he said, insisting that he will walk to Mombasa despite the pain. He has previously vowed to crawl if necessary to complete the mission.
Wildlife and route risks
Parts of the Nairobi–Mombasa highway corridor pass near Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, areas known for wildlife including elephants, buffaloes and lions.
Wildlife authorities typically discourage pedestrian movement in designated conservation zones due to safety concerns and the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
KWS has not publicly detailed specific sections flagged in Omondi’s route, but long-distance walkers are generally advised to avoid protected wildlife areas unless accompanied by authorised security or transport.
Purpose of the walk
Omondi embarked on the endurance challenge to raise funds for the construction of the Sisi Kwa Sisi Help and Rescue Centre, a proposed facility that will include:
- Two ambulances
- A medical clinic
- A warehouse for emergency supplies
- A free secondary school
The Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative, launched in 2024, has mobilised millions of shillings through digital crowdfunding campaigns aimed at supporting vulnerable families and medical emergencies.
Omondi expressed gratitude to supporters who have followed and contributed to the campaign.
Also Read: Eric Omondi hospitalised during 486km ‘Walk of Love’ from Nairobi to Mombasa
“May God bless you,” he said, acknowledging the encouragement he has received both online and on the ground.
His TikTok platform has become the primary source of updates on the journey, with livestreams and short videos documenting progress, challenges and public engagement along the route.
A symbolic journey
While the full 486 kilometres will not be completed on foot, Omondi maintains that the symbolic value of the walk remains intact.
The revised plan reflects a balance between personal determination and compliance with public safety guidelines.
The journey is expected to conclude at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, where organisers hope the campaign will culminate in renewed fundraising momentum for the rescue centre project.
