Blogger sued over alleged extortion attempt against KWS

KWS said the individual presented court documents naming himself as the petitioner and purportedly sought to leverage the threat of adverse publicity to intimidate and coerce the service’s top management.

A blogger has been sued following an alleged attempt to extort the Kenya Wildlife Service using judicial processes.

According to KWS, the individual presented court documents naming himself as the petitioner and purportedly sought to leverage the threat of adverse publicity to intimidate and coerce the service’s top management.

Preliminary investigations suggest the move was intended to secure financial or other gains through unlawful means.

“This conduct, if proven, contravenes the law and undermines national values of integrity, accountability and the rule of law,” the service said in a statement dated Thursday, January 15.

The statement cited Article 10 of the constitution, which outlines principles of governance in Kenya.

The alleged attempt was reported to law enforcement authorities, resulting in the arrest and arraignment of the suspect at the JKIA Law Court.

The case is pending before Magistrate Njeri Thuku, who is expected to issue further directions.

KWS emphasised that it will respect judicial independence and will not comment on the merits of the case while proceedings are ongoing.

However, the service reminded the public that while Article 48 of the constitution guarantees access to justice, this right must be exercised in good faith.

"The use of court processes, or the threat thereof, for ulterior purposes such as blackmail, harassment, or personal gain constitutes an abuse of judicial process, which undermines the administration of justice."

KWS said further investigations indicate that the individual may be linked to a coordinated group allegedly engaged in similar activities.

These include vexatious litigation, intimidation and orchestrated public campaigns targeting officers in both public and private institutions.

KWS stressed that such conduct is unlawful and will be pursued by relevant authorities.

“The Kenya Wildlife Service will not yield to intimidation or unlawful pressure,” the statement said.

It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding public institutions and enforcing its mandate under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.

The service cautioned the public against extortion, misuse of judicial processes, intimidation and cyber harassment, all of which are criminal offences under the law.

Those found engaging in such conduct will face legal consequences.

"Relevant authorities continue to handle the matter strictly within the confines of the law."

KWS concluded by reaffirming its dedication to constitutionalism, transparency, integrity and respect for the rule of law, underscoring its role in protecting both wildlife and public institutions from unlawful interference.

The case could set a precedent for how attempts to exploit legal and public platforms for personal gain are handled in the future.

In law, a vexatious litigant is someone who repeatedly starts proceedings to annoy, harass, embarrass, or cause distress, whilst lacking reasonable grounds or a legitimate purpose other than, at most, unlawfully obtain financial or other benefits.

Such meritless claims designed to abuse the judicial process or burden opponents could potentially leading courts to restrict their ability to file new lawsuits without permission.