Comedians from the popular Churchill Show have announced a mega show in honour of their late colleague, Fred Odhiambo Omondi.
Fred, a popular figure in the comedy scene, tragically died in a road accident on June 15.
The accident, which occurred at around 6am on Kagundo Road, involved a fatal collision between a bodaboda carrying Fred and a speeding bus.
According to a police report filed at Buruburu station, the bus was travelling from Kayole towards Nairobi CBD while the bodaboda was on the wrong side of the road, heading in the opposite direction.
The collision near the Caltex petrol station proved fatal for the young comedian.
The comic, who starred in the Churchill Show, was known for his selflessness and charismatic presence on and off stage.
In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, described Fred as a lyrical comic genius and a friend to all.
“It’s a big shock to all of us. It was untimely. Fred was a very young talent and he was a lyrical comic genius. He was a charismatic young man. As soon as Churchill Show took a break, he was one of the most booked MCs in the country for club appearances. He was a friend to all comedians and he helped them come up with content and showed up for people’s events just to hype it for free. He was a kind person,” Churchill said.
Despite ongoing national concerns such as the Finance Bill, Churchill stressed their commitment to giving Fred a proper send-off.
The comedy fraternity, which is working with the family on funeral arrangements, has decided to bring Fred Omondi’s burial forward to 29 June to allow enough time to properly celebrate his life.
“As an industry, we have decided to move all plans to next week on the 29th of June at his home. There will be a comedy show, ‘Fred Omondi Last Laugh’, at Carnivore next Friday. With all the comedians from the Churchill Show, the industry is coming to honour him in a special way. It is too much and too soon. We just lost Jahmby the other day, so this is a huge loss for the industry,” said Churchill.
Fred was introduced to Churchill by his brother, Eric Omondi, another well-known comedian.
Churchill recalled that when Eric first introduced him to Fred, he described him as a bit funny.
“They all have different talents. Even their sister, it’s just that she hasn’t had the opportunity to be out there”.
Churchill urged Kenyans to support the fallen entertainer.
“We can’t do without our fans and we hope they will come out on Friday to give Fred a proper send-off. Let us come through for him”.
Eric Omondi recalled his last encounter with his late brother a week before Fred’s tragic death.
“The last time I saw him (Fred) was a week before he died. We had a show together in Kisii that lasted until about 3am. I had to rush back to Uganda so I paid him and left while he continued the show for another hour before leaving for another gig in Kericho. His death is untimely and unfortunate,” he said.
The comedy show ‘Fred Omondi Last Laugh’ is set to be a memorable event with performances from the entire Churchill Show ensemble.
Some of the notable comedians who will be performing include Butita, YY, MP Jalango, Jemutai, MC Jessy, Nasra, Terence Creative, Chipukeezy, Sammy Kioko, Tom Daktari, Jasper Murume, Oga Obinna, Adhis Jojo, MCA Tricky among others.
