Seven prime suspects linked to the July 3, 2025, arson attack and malicious property damage at Mawego Police Station have been arraigned in court.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), they were arraigned before the Oyugis Law Courts by detectives from Rachuonyo North Sub-County.
Investigations have identified the suspects: Kennedy Oluoch, Nicholas Otieno, Tofiq Owiti Mohamed, Michael Omondi Opiyo, David Bill Clinton Otieno, Robert Ouko Abala, and Samuel Ouma Odhiambo as the ringleaders behind the coordinated attack, carried out in collaboration with other accomplices who remain at large.
The court granted detectives a seven-day custodial order to allow for the completion of ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, detectives are pursuing more leads to apprehend additional suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
On July 3, a crowd accompanying Ojwang’s body stormed Mawego Police Station, which was previously linked to his detention before he died under controversial circumstances in Nairobi.
Ojwang, a teacher, was arrested in Homabay over allegations of false publication and briefly held at Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Nairobi.
His life came to a tragic end on June 7 inside the Nairobi Central police cells, and his death has since sparked public outcry and demands for justice. He was laid to rest on July 4 at his home in Homabay.
As his body arrived in the village on July 3, mourners expressed their anger and grief by redirecting the funeral procession to Mawego Police Station.
Witnesses said a large group, including mourners and students from a nearby polytechnic, converged at the station, chanting and demanding answers.
Police tried to disperse the crowd using teargas, but it did little to calm the escalating situation.
In a dramatic turn, the group entered the police station, with some carrying Ojwang’s casket through the premises.
Meanwhile, others ransacked the offices, setting both the Officer Commanding Station’s office and the report office on fire.
The blaze destroyed the buildings, and some individuals made away with the national and police flags, flag posts, and the station’s signage before fleeing through clouds of tear gas.
Police officers living nearby reported that their houses were also looted during the chaos.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the armoury remained intact, according to police statements.
