Activist links arrest to intimidation as lobby condemns prosecution

Activist Francis Awino outside the Milimani law court after being freed on a Sh200,000 bail on April 23, 2026./HANDOUT 

Human rights activist Francis Awino has condemned his arrest and subsequent prosecution on claims of extortion claiming the charges have been trumped up against him. 

Awino was on Thursday charged with allegations of attempting to extort millions of shillings from the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service.

He is accused of attempted extortion by threats. The charge sheets shows Awino allegedly committed the offence on January 14, 2026, at the Kenya Wildlife Service offices in Lang’ata within Nairobi.

The state claims that with intent to extort Sh1.7 million from KWS,  Awino threatened to file a petition seeking the removal from office of a top KWS officer .

The prosecution told the court that the threats were aimed at compelling Kanga to meet the financial demand.

In his defence, Awino maintained that the charges are linked to his activism against the Kenya Wildlife Service and alleged broader governance concerns within the agency.

According to the activist, he had already moved to court challenging the conduct of KWS leadership, raising constitutional issues around procurement, governance and accountability.

He describes himself as a public interest litigant acting in defence of the Constitution, the rule of law, integrity in public service, and the public interest, and not for any collateral or private gain.

He said he was arrested while on his way to submit documents related to the matter. 

Awino told the court he was being maliciously prosecuted over his criticism of the ongoing fuel crisis, including shortages and rising pump prices, which he says have adversely affected Kenyans and the economy.

“At the opportune time I will prove that this prosecution is motivated by malice,” he argued.

The charges come barely two weeks after the activist was allegedly attacked by unknown individuals following his public criticism of the fuel situation. 

He was treated at a Nairobi hospital after the incident.

Awino has filed a separate petition challenging an insurance cover for KWS employees, which he claims was compromised under the agency’s leadership.

The matter is scheduled for mention on May 7, 2026.