NAIROBI, Kenya — A former leader of the activist movement Bunge la Mwananchi has been arrested and charged after allegedly attempting to extort money from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) using court processes and threats of adverse publicity.
The blogger, who previously served as President of Bunge la Mwananchi, was apprehended at the KWS headquarters in Nairobi before being arraigned at the JKIA Law Courts.
Investigators say the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the wildlife agency after what it described as a calculated attempt to intimidate senior officials.
According to KWS, the suspect walked into its headquarters carrying court documents in which he was listed as a petitioner.
However, authorities allege that the legal papers were not presented in pursuit of legitimate justice, but rather as part of a scheme to pressure the agency into making unlawful payments.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect targeted the Office of the Director General through threats of negative publicity and legal action,” KWS said in a statement.
The agency reported the matter to the police, leading to the suspect’s detention and subsequent arraignment before Magistrate Njeri Thuku.
KWS warned that if proven, the conduct amounts to abuse of legal processes and undermines constitutional values. “Such conduct, if established, is contrary to the law and offends the national values and principles of governance,” the agency said.
The conservation body expressed concern over what it described as an emerging pattern in which individuals allegedly exploit litigation, media pressure, and intimidation to extract money from public institutions and private entities. According to KWS, these tactics include filing or threatening lawsuits, orchestrating public campaigns, and leveraging social media influence to coerce officials into settlements.
“This is not an isolated incident,” the agency said, warning of a broader network that allegedly targets decision-makers across sectors for financial gain. KWS said it had resolved not to yield to intimidation or unlawful pressure while carrying out its constitutional mandate.
The agency underscored that while access to justice is protected under Article 48 of the Constitution, that right must be exercised in good faith. “The use of court processes for ulterior purposes such as blackmail constitutes a misuse of judicial process,” KWS cautioned.
KWS reiterated its commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of wildlife resources under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, adding that it would cooperate fully with investigators to ensure the matter is handled within the law.
The suspect pleaded to the charges and was released on bond as investigations continue. The court is expected to issue further directions on the matter in the coming days.
