https://youtu.be/qHWy7JgOcV8?si=6Ykti8kqJ4QjydRu
An activist Francis Awino has been arraigned in court over allegations of attempting to extort KSh 1.7 million from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Erastus Kanga, days after he was assaulted by unidentified individuals following his criticism of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Francis Awino Onyango appeared before a Milimani court where he faced a charge of attempted extortion by threats, contrary to Section 300(1)(a) of the Penal Code.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly committed the offence on January 14, 2026, at the Kenya Wildlife Service offices in Lang’ata, Nairobi County.
The prosecution told the court that Awino, with intent to extort KSh 1.7 million from Prof.
Erastus Kanga, threatened to file a petition seeking the Director General’s removal from office over alleged violations of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
Awino denied the charge when it was read to him in court.
Through his lawyer, the accused urged the court to release him on reasonable bail, stating that he is not a flight risk and would abide by all court conditions.
The prosecution did not oppose his release on bail but asked the court to impose terms in line with the seriousness of the charge.
In her ruling, Magistrate Teresia Nyangena granted the accused a bond of KSh 1 million with a surety of a similar amount. In the alternative, the court allowed a cash bail of KSh 200,000 with one contact person.
“A bond of KSh 1 million with a surety of a similar amount is granted, with an alternative cash bail of KSh 200,000, with one contact person” magistrate Nyangena ordered.
The case will be mentioned on May 7, 2026, for pre-trial directions.
