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Wafula Buke has revealed that he supported the prosecution and imprisonment of his son, 21 charged with preparation to commit a felony.
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The Human rights defender and former ODM official said during his time in high school, the son was allegedly implicated in repeated arson attacks at school.
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His remarks have sparked public debate in Kenya about parental responsibility, juvenile delinquency, and whether families should intervene protectively or support full legal accountability when children commit serious offenses.
Human rights defender and former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) official Wafula Buke has revealed that he supported the prosecution and imprisonment of his son, 21 charged with preparation to commit a felony.
Speaking during an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora, Buke said during his time in high school, the son was allegedly implicated in repeated arson attacks at school.
“He burned down two school dormitories within a span of three months,” he said adding that accountability must apply equally, even within one’s own family.
According to Buke, the first incident occurred while the boy was in school, where he was initially shielded from full disciplinary action by a relative serving as school principal.
However, after a second dormitory fire within a short period, Buke said he rejected further attempts by boy’s mother to transfer him to a boarding school since he would be dangerous to other students. He later enrolled in a day school and scored a D minus, which Buke said he celebrated.
The son was convicted on February 2026 of preparation to commit a felony and sentenced to four years in prison. Buke said he even felt the sentence should have been longer.
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“I thought he needed 7 years for full rehabilitation but the magistrate gave him less. Friends wish my son quick rehabilitation,” he had posted on social media after the boy got jailed.
Buke further recounted what he described as a troubled pattern of behavior, alleging earlier involvement in theft and other criminal activity, which he said reinforced his decision not to seek leniency.
He claimed that after high school, his son was allegedly recruited by police officers into criminal activity and involved in hiring firearms from police sources to carry out robberies.
His remarks have sparked public debate in Kenya about parental responsibility, juvenile delinquency, and whether families should intervene protectively or support full legal accountability when children commit serious offenses.
Buke also contrasted his children’s different life paths, noting that while some are pursuing higher education abroad, his imprisoned son’s case reflects the complexity of parenting and accountability within families.
“Somebody may think that I am a failure in parenting; my daughter is in Germany doing second masters, my son finished university , another son is in Rwanda doing computer science in a prestigious university and while the other one is in industrial area prison serving 4 years in prison , parents should be comprehensive we can’t only talk of successful stories,” he said.
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Buke’s own past as a student activist during the era of former President Daniel arap Moi he was suspended from the University of Nairobi and later arrested over alleged links to the underground Mwakenya movement.
He was detained and tortured during that period, an experience he has often cited in discussions on state power and justice.
The human rights defender’s comments have sparked widespread debate on social media, with Kenyans divided over whether his position reflects responsible parenting or an overly harsh approach.
Some users praised his openness. “Your level of boldness is mind-boggling. Your ability to face life’s toughest challenges and discuss them is very inspiring. I hope he will become a better human soon,” wrote Kigo Joseph.
Jennifer Aoko added, “It takes strength to believe that a Kenyan jail can actually help a person reform and return to normalcy, especially when the behavior borders on psychological challenges.”
Ronald Omondi also described Buke as honest and courageous, saying his willingness to speak about his son’s struggles reflects deep responsibility and humility.
By Obegi Malack
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