Eight suspects linked to the July 3, 2025, arson attack on Mawego Police Station in Rachuonyo North sub-county, Homa Bay County, have been formally charged at the Kahawa Law Courts in Nairobi. The incident, tied to nationwide protests over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, saw the police facility torched during a funeral procession-turned-chaotic demonstration.

The accused — 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 — face three serious charges: commission of a terrorist act under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, arson, and malicious damage to property under the Penal Code.

During their court appearance before Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech, the suspects denied all charges. The prosecution opposed their release on bond, citing the gravity of the offenses and potential flight risk. A ruling on the bond application is scheduled for July 22, 2025. Until then, the accused will remain in custody at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) described the suspects as ringleaders in what it termed a “coordinated attack,” with other accomplices still at large. Following the closure of initial proceedings at Oyugis Law Court, the suspects were re-arrested and transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) headquarters for fresh charges under anti-terror legislation.

The attack on the Mawego Police Station occurred during tensions surrounding the death of Ojwang, who reportedly died in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. His death sparked widespread outrage, particularly in his native Homa Bay County. As his body was being transported for burial, enraged youths hijacked the procession and diverted it to the Mawego Police Station — his first point of detention. The group overran security barricades and set fire to the premises, which had already been vacated by police.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilen condemned the destruction, confirming that the station, including the OCS office, was extensively damaged. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek additional suspects believed to have played a role in the violence.