Human rights Activist has been arraigned in court over allegations of attempting to extort millions of shillings from the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Francis Awino Onyango is accused of attempted extortion by threats, contrary to Section 300(1)(a) of the Penal Code.
According to the charge sheet, Onyango allegedly committed the offence on January 14, 2026, at the Kenya Wildlife Service offices in Lang’ata Sub-County within Nairobi.
The court heard that he, with intent to extort Sh 1.7 million from KWS Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga, threatened to file a petition seeking his removal from office.
The Prosecution told the court that the threats were aimed at compelling Prof. Kanga to meet the financial demand.
However, in his defence, Onyango maintains that the charges are linked to his activism against the Kenya Wildlife Service and 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.
Onyango, who was arrested on April 22, 2026,
while reportedly on his way to submit documents related to the matter, told the court that the case against him is retaliatory.
He claimed he is 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 court also heard that the charges come shortly after the activist was allegedly attacked by unknown individuals following his public criticism of the fuel situation. He was reportedly treated at a Nairobi hospital after the incident.
Additionally, Onyango 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.
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