Eight Charged with Terrorism After Arson Attack on Police Station in Homa Bay

Homa Bay County, Kenya — Eight individuals have been formally charged with terrorism-related offences following the torching of Mawego Police Station during demonstrations over the controversial death of Albert Ojwang, a local teacher and blogger who died in police custody.

The suspects, identified by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as part of an enraged mob, appeared before a magistrate on Wednesday. They are facing multiple charges, including committing a terrorist act, arson, and malicious damage to property under Kenya’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) — a law typically applied in cases involving organized threats to national security.

The incident took place on July 4, when mourners transporting Ojwang’s body from Nairobi back to his hometown in Homa Bay reportedly marched to Mawego Police Station in protest. According to authorities, the crowd overwhelmed local officers and set parts of the station ablaze. Police officers on duty at the time are said to have fled the premises before the group arrived, resulting in no injuries to law enforcement personnel.

Albert Ojwang’s death has ignited anger across the Lake Region, particularly among civil society and human rights activists who allege police misconduct and demand accountability. The exact cause of his death while in custody remains under investigation, although the circumstances have triggered widespread suspicion and unrest.

The eight accused individuals were initially arrested and held under regular court procedures. However, on July 14, they were rearrested under Kenya’s anti-terrorism framework. In a public statement, the DCI explained that this shift reflected what investigators believe was a coordinated and premeditated act of violence, not a spontaneous public outcry. The agency emphasized that the charges are not about stifling protest, but addressing actions aimed at undermining public order and targeting state infrastructure.

All eight pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment. The prosecution strongly opposed their release on bond, citing national security risks and the seriousness of the charges. The court ordered that the suspects be remanded at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison pending a bond hearing, which has been scheduled for July 22.

The case continues to draw public attention, with many watching closely to see how the justice system handles both the alleged arsonists and the unresolved questions surrounding Ojwang’s death. Legal experts and human rights groups have also raised concerns about the application of terrorism laws in what some view as a case rooted in public anger over alleged police abuse.

As the bond hearing approaches, tension remains high in Homa Bay and surrounding areas, with community members calling for calm while continuing to demand transparency and justice in the matter.