Fourth Year Student Slapped Hard with Charges Over Attempted Arson

Bernard Wangila Ojiambo a fourth-year student at the University of Nairobi. Photo: Wilfred Nyangaresi/Nation Media Group

A University of Nairobi student has been charged with attempting to set fire to Hotel Boulevard during chaotic protests against the government’s higher education funding model.

Bernard Wangila Ojiambo, a fourth-year student, was arrested near the hotel with a five-litre jerrycan of petrol.

Prosecutors allege that Ojiambo intended to commit arson, accusing him of being part of the rioting group that clashed with anti-riot police officers.

The charge read by Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki stated that Ojiambo, alongside others not present in court, was found in possession of petrol with the intention of setting fire to the hotel.

Ojiambo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His defense lawyer, Danstan Omari, claimed Ojiambo was heading home when he was mistakenly caught in the middle of the violent protests.

“My client is a student using his motorcycle to commute to school and home. He was apprehended unfairly,” Omari told the court.

He requested lenient bail terms, citing Ojiambo's upcoming final exams.

State prosecutor Evelynn Mutisya opposed the bail request, noting concerns about public safety amid recent incidents of school fires.

Mutisya argued that Ojiambo's release could lead to further unrest.

Magistrate Ondieki postponed the bail ruling and ordered Ojiambo to remain in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station until September 11, 2024, when a decision on his bond application will be made.