Suspects in Mawego Police Station Arson Face Terror Charges

Eight suspects linked to the arson attack on Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay County have been arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts to face terrorism and criminal charges.

File image of the suspects during their arraignment at Kahawa Law Courts. PHOTO/DCI

The suspects, Kennedy Oluoch Oluoch, Nicholas Otieno, Tofiq Owiti Mohamed, Michael Omondi Opiyo, David Bill Clinton Otieno, Robert Ouko Abala, Samuel Ouma Odhiambo, and Erick Obunga Osumba — were re-arrested on July 14, 2025, and transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) headquarters in Nairobi.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects face three counts: commission of a terrorist act, arson, and malicious damage to property, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 30 of 2012 and the Penal Code.

Suspects Remanded Pending Bond Ruling

All suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution opposed their release on bond, arguing they posed a flight risk, a claim challenged by the defence team.

Magistrate Richard Koech scheduled a bond ruling for Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Until then, the accused will remain in custody at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.

Background: Mawego Police Station Arson

The charges stem from the July 3, 2025, incident where angry protesters set Mawego Police Station ablaze. Demonstrators, carrying the body of Albert Ojwang in a coffin, stormed the station compound and torched several structures.

Ojwang had been detained at Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he died in custody, sparking public outrage.

Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as officers fled with personal belongings while others attempted to contain the flames. Protesters were later seen parading with the police station’s uprooted signage.

The case highlights rising tensions between law enforcement and citizens in parts of Homa Bay County following recent protests.