ERICK OMONDI, 27, is a comedian and entertainer who always got into trouble in school because of noisemaking. He shares his story with GARDY CHACHA

Who is Erick Omondi?

The person you see. He is a second born in a family of four siblings. He loves jokes and ugali.

Do you have an alter ego or a different personality in you?

No. The Erick Omondi you see on stage is Erick Omondi everywhere. I am a whole person. I am me.

How do you define yourself?

I am a doctor; I treat illnesses such as stress, sadness and depression. I also prescribe certain amounts of laughter. However, conventional knowledge defines me as an entertainer, which is fair enough.

Educational background?

I attended Kondele Primary School for my lower primary then completed at Lake Primary. For high school, I went to Kisumu Boys then came to Nairobi and joined Daystar University in 2003. It took me seven years to graduate.

Why so long?

Shida za hapa na pale (problems here and there). I had enrolled to do Mass Communication and was required to pay Sh107,000. I only had Sh24,000, which I made through a fundraising. Nevertheless, I registered at the university. I cleared the first semester but in the second one, nilipatikana. I went back to Kisumu and stayed there for two years. At Daystar, I had joined Christian Fellowship and in 2005 (I still don’t know how), I was nominated and elected as a vice-chairperson in absentia. I was called and told what happened. The school resolved to recall me and have me apply for a scholarship. I won a full scholarship. I completed my pre-university then began a degree programme in 2006 and graduated in 2010. It’s remarkable — just like someone doing Medicine.

Why journalism?

I wanted to be on television and radio. Someone told me the only way I could realise that dream is if I studied journalism.

How then did comedy happen?

It wasn’t by chance. I was a comedian from the time I was young. Over lunch or dinner, I would crack jokes to my family’s delight. While at Daystar, I applied to be an intern at a local TV station as a news reporter. Around the same time, Churchill Live was evolving. I joined the show. I lost my position as a reporter; people told me they wouldn’t take my reporting seriously since they would see me as a comedian. But with Churchill Live, I had found exactly what I wanted.

Many assume you are successful because you were a rich kid...

I couldn’t even pay my own fees. I’ve lived a normal life. I never was a rich kid and even if I was, it certainly wouldn’t have contributed to my becoming a comedian.

Has comedy ever got you into trouble?

Big time! When I was in Form Three, I was naturally talkative; problem was anything I said came out as a joke. One time, I was narrating some Indian movie I had watched to some friends in class. It seemed enticing and more and more students converged around me as I narrated — imitating Indian accents and all the weird stuff. The principal sneaked in and disguised himself among the students at the back but no one noticed.

My parents were called to school and I was caned in turns — my parents, the principal, and some teachers all got a piece of me. It was terrible. And then again, I never missed in the ‘noise makers’ list. Whether I was absent or present, I would be on the list.

How did you end up in radio?

A comedian on radio is something many stations are embracing and so Radio Africa called me. In radio, I maintain my creativity engine rolling. I do three sessions on radio with each lasting five minutes. So I work for 15 minutes a day and I am paid for it.

What next for Erick Omondi?

I want to go to the next level and it’s hard to define what it is at the moment. I am thinking of more tantalising stuff; new, fresh and wow; something out of this world. Whatever it is, it will still be entertainment.

Tell us about Hawayuni…

It was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was like a stepping-stone. I learnt a lot from the show. I got all sorts of responses from people. I am the person I am today because of Hawayuni.

Have you thought of nurturing new acts?

I am still being nurtured so I can’t really say anything about that. If a chance presents itself, I won’t hesitate to help. I introduced my brother Fred into comedy and he’s now better than me.

For individuals who would like to join the field and haven’t quite made up their minds, what’s your advice?

Comedy pays well. If you have talent and you’ve done your research, go for it. Comedy pays my bills. Don’t forget your education though, because it’s key to any career.

What are your highest and lowest moments in comedy?

I haven’t reached my highest yet because until I can crack a joke and an American laughs, I still have a long way to go. When I will be performing with the likes of Chris Rock, I’ll have reached my best. My lowest was in 2010. I had been invited to a function in Malindi. The place was remote and most residents are not exposed to comedy and TV. I performed for two hours and no one laughed. I almost gave up on comedy.

Is that story about your grandmother and M-pesa true?

Absolutely! Whenever I send her a text, she tells me I should instead call her because since her eyes can’t read, but when I send her cash through M-Pesa, she calls to say, “Thank you. But you didn’t send the withdrawal fee.” She mesmerises.

Who inspires you?

Will Smith. He began as a comedian and is now a big shot in Hollywood. When I get to my best in comedy, I want to go into acting just like Will.

Apart from comedy, anything else you do?

I play football and I am Manchester United supporter. My support for Man United, however, is just to get Arsenal fans pissed off.

How was it like performing at the African Kings of comedy?

Nice, it was the first time I was performing outside East Africa. It was held in Nigeria.

What principle do you live by?

In life, anything is possible.