Eight suspects linked to the July 3 arson attack on Mawego Police Station in Rachuonyo North Sub-County were arraigned today at the Kahawa Law Courts, facing terrorism and criminal charges.
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 brought before the Special Magistrate’s Court following their transfer from Oyugis and subsequent detention by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) in Nairobi.
The group was formally charged with three counts:
- Count I: Commission of a terrorist act, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA),
- Count II: Arson, under Section 332 of the Penal Code,
- Count III: Malicious damage to property, contrary to Section 339 of the Penal Code.
All eight pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution strongly opposed the granting of bond, citing the gravity of the offences and potential risks to public safety. Defence counsel, however, contested the position, arguing that the suspects have the right to bail under Kenyan law.
Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech scheduled the matter for mention on July 22, 2025, when the court will deliver its ruling on the bond application. Until then, the accused will remain in custody at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.
The Mawego Police Station attack occurred amid a wave of nationwide unrest and is being treated as a high-priority case under anti-terror laws due to the nature of the violence and targeted public infrastructure. Investigations are ongoing.
