By KPC Reporter
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued a warning against the misuse of judicial processes, following the arrest and arraignment of an individual accused of attempting to extort the agency through intimidation and legal threats.
In a statement released on Thursday, KWS said it had raised serious concerns over the conduct of Mr Francis Awino, who identifies himself as a blogger and a former president of Bunge la Mwananchi.
According to the Service, Mr Awino allegedly presented court documents in which he appeared as the petitioner and sought to use the judicial process, alongside threats of adverse publicity, to pressure the Office of the Director General.
“Preliminary findings and ongoing inquiries indicate that Mr Awino allegedly sought to invoke judicial proceedings and the threat of adverse publicity as a means of intimidation, blackmail and extortion,” KWS said.
The agency noted that such conduct, if proven, would be contrary to the law and a violation of the national values and principles of governance enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution, including integrity, accountability and the rule of law.
Following internal assessments, the matter was reported to relevant law enforcement agencies.
KWS confirmed that Mr Awino was subsequently arrested and arraigned before the JKIA Law Courts, where he appeared before Magistrate Njeri Thuku.
The case is now pending further direction by the court.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service respects the independence of the Judiciary and shall refrain from commenting on the merits of the case before court,” the statement read.
While reaffirming the constitutional right of access to justice under Article 48, KWS emphasised that 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 and undermines the administration of justice,” the Service said.
KWS further revealed that ongoing inquiries suggest the individual may be linked to a coordinated group allegedly engaging in similar conduct, targeting officers in both the public and private sectors through intimidation, vexatious litigation and orchestrated public campaigns aimed at unlawfully obtaining financial or other benefits.
The agency said it would not bow to unlawful pressure.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service will not yield to intimidation or unlawful influence,” it stated, adding that it remains committed to protecting public institutions and upholding the rule of law in line with its constitutional and statutory mandate under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.
The Service also cautioned members of the public that offences such as extortion, intimidation, cyber harassment and the misuse of judicial processes are punishable under Kenyan law and will be dealt with firmly and lawfully.