Eight individuals suspected of involvement in the July 3, 2025, arson attack on Mawego Police Station in Rachuonyo North Sub-County were today arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts.
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 presented before Hon. Richard Koech, Senior Principal Magistrate.
The court heard that the suspects had initially been detained under custodial orders issued by the Oyugis Law Court. Following the closure of that miscellaneous application, they were re-arrested on July 14, 2025, and transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) headquarters in Nairobi. This transfer signals the serious nature of the charges now brought against them.
During today’s proceedings, the eight faced a multi-count charge sheet. Count I was the “Commission of a terrorist act,” contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).
Additionally, they were charged with “Arson,” contrary to Section 332 of the Penal Code, and “Malicious damage to property,” contrary to Section 339 of the Penal Code.
All eight suspects entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The prosecution immediately opposed their release on bond, citing the gravity of the alleged offences. This application was strongly contested by the defence counsel.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Koech scheduled the matter for a bond ruling on July 22, 2025. In the interim, all the accused have been remanded at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.
