SUSPECTS IN MAWEGO POLICE STATION ARSON FREED ON KSH 50,000 CASH BAIL

Seven suspects accused of torching Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay County have been released on Ksh 50,000 cash bail each. The arson attack, which occurred on July 3, was part of violent protests following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody.
The suspects, charged with terrorism, arson, and malicious damage to property, appeared before Kahawa Law Courts where they all pleaded not guilty. A sixth accused person was granted release on a Ksh 200,000 bond with two sureties of the same amount, instead of cash bail.
The court set their pre-trial hearing for August 14, 2025.
Defence lawyer and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticized the bail terms, calling them excessive given the economic status of the accused, most of whom are fishermen and boda boda operators. He announced plans to appeal the bail decision, arguing it amounts to indirect detention of the poor.
The suspects were arrested following a violent demonstration that led to the burning of the police station and destruction of property. Authorities invoked the Prevention of Terrorism Act in filing the charges, a move that has drawn criticism from some quarters as too harsh.
The case will resume mid-August as the court prepares for the full trial.