Eric Omondi has reflected on the challenges that followed his early success on the Churchill Show, revealing how career struggles pushed him into a difficult period that eventually led to his belongings being auctioned. Speaking on the Mic Cheque podcast, the comedian and activist explained that despite his strong start on the show, he later felt creatively stuck and overshadowed as new talents joined the platform.
He shared that the shift began after season one. “Season one ilikuwa pekeyangu, alafu season two kina Fred Omondi, Teacher Wanjiku na Owago Onyiro wakajoin, nikafeel nimehit ceiling, alafu watu wakaanza kuni compare na wengine,” he said. Eric added that the comparisons made him want to grow beyond the label of simply being part of the Churchill brand. “Alafu kukakuwa na a lot of Eric Omondi wa Churchill, na mimi nilitaka kukuwa tu Eric Omondi.“
After feeling ready for a new chapter, he approached Churchill directly. “Nikaongelesha Churchill akaniambia bro uko sure? Nikamwambia nko sure. When I left nilikuwa nimejipanga nikaazisha Eric Omondi Untamed,” he said. His goal was to build an identity outside the show and establish himself as an independent entertainer.
What happened after Eric Omondi left the Churchill Show?
Eric explained that the turning point came when Churchill went on break, leaving him without a platform. At the time, he was famous but lacked a consistent outlet for his work. He recalled how KTN eventually reached out with an attractive offer. “Hawayuni happened when Churchill went on a break. I was alone; I was big and famous. Churchill akachukua break. KTN wakanicall wakanipea show na pesa na format ikuwe tu kama ya Churchill show,” he said.
According to him, the production was rushed. “We were shooting on a Wednesday na hatukuwa na jina; we were so excited because of the money, and everything was being rushed.” The excitement did not last long. “It was on air for two episodes, and it was the worst, the jokes were very funny, but the sound was bad,” he added. He explained that after being paid for half a season, the station went silent, and he did the same.
How did the show’s failure lead to financial trouble?
Eric shared that once the show flopped, his brand took a downturn. Opportunities dried up, leaving him in a tough financial position. “But now brand yangu ikaenda chini mbaka nilikuwa auctioned niliambia wao watu wakuje usiku, walikuja na pickup ya white wakaanza kubeba fridge,” he revealed. With no choice, he moved in with his cousin. “After hiyo show, ilifail brand yangu ilienda chini nilichotewa nikaenda kuishi na cousin,” he said.
During the two years that followed, he secured only one major deal. “Nilipata deal moja in two years ya blueband mimi na Daddy Owen.”
Despite everything, Eric said the experience was a turning point that refined his approach to career and life. “I learnt my lesson and I usually say the best thing that ever happened to me is Hawayu it was a big lesson; I needed to make that mistake,” he added.
By Risper Akinyi