"I Personally Supported" Ex-ODM Official Reveals What He Did to His Own Son After He Burnt School Dormitories Twice

Human rights activist and former ODM Executive Director Wafula Buke has revealed that his son was responsible for two separate school dormitory arson incidents within a span of three months, a situation that ultimately led to the young man's imprisonment. Buke shared the details during an interview with Professor Herman Manyora on The Nairobi Review, which was published on Facebook on June 21, 2026.

According to Buke, the first incident occurred at a school headed by his first cousin. Despite the seriousness of the offense, the principal opted against involving law enforcement and instead chose to give the student another opportunity to reform. Buke explained that he disagreed with that decision, believing stronger action should have been taken immediately.

His concerns proved justified when, only three months later, his son allegedly set fire to another dormitory at a different school before fleeing. Following the second incident, Buke insisted that authorities be involved and urged the school administration to allow the legal process to take its course.

Reflecting on the matter, Buke recalled, "I told the principal to call the police and get my son arrested, but he thought he was a better parent than me. 

So he dismissed me like many other people did, saying I should forgive him. The boy burnt another dormitory just after three months." He said the second incident confirmed the danger he had long believed his son posed if left unchecked.

Buke further disclosed that when the boy's mother later sought admission for him at a boarding school in the Ukambani region and requested financial support, he refused. 

He maintained that it would have been irresponsible to place his son among other students after two such serious offenses. Instead, he advocated for legal accountability and rehabilitation through the justice system.

Emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, Buke stated, "My son burned about two dormitories and is currently serving a jail term that I personally supported because he had to face the consequences of his actions." He added that the rule of law should apply equally to family members and strangers alike.