Prominent activist Boniface Mwangi has been arrested and charged with facilitating terrorism during the deadly June 25 protests. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) alleges that Mwangi played a role in planning the chaos and was found in possession of ammunition and tear gas canisters.
Highlights:
- Mwangi arrested on July 19 at his Machakos home
- Accused of aiding “terrorist acts” during June 25 protests
- Items allegedly found include tear gas and a blank round
- Charged with illegal possession of ammunition
- Supporters rally around him, citing political persecution
Main Story:
Activist Boniface Mwangi was taken into custody by DCI officers on Saturday, July 19, over allegations of terror facilitation linked to the violent June 25 protests in Nairobi. According to investigators, Mwangi is suspected of playing a role in organizing the demonstrations, which erupted after the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
The protests turned deadly, with at least 19 lives lost and widespread clashes reported in various parts of the city.
Authorities say they recovered three tear gas canisters, a single blank 7.62 mm round, phones, a laptop, and notebooks during the arrest at his home. These items form the basis of a second charge , illegal possession of ammunition.
Mwangi’s legal team argues the items could have been planted or misinterpreted, maintaining that the arrest is a targeted crackdown on dissent.
Mwangi appeared in a Nairobi court on July 21, where his supporters gathered in large numbers to show solidarity. Many chanted slogans and carried placards accusing the state of intimidation. The activist pleaded not guilty and has been vocal about what he calls state repression.
This is not Mwangi’s first run-in with security forces. He was recently deported from Tanzania and has faced multiple arrests over the years related to his activism. Despite the charges, he remains a central figure in Kenya’s human rights movement
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As the state ramps up its pursuit of protest organizers, the question remains ,is this justice or a strategy to silence opposition?
