Boniface Mwangi, the fiery activist known for challenging state excesses, was arrested on Friday in connection with what police describe as “facilitation of terrorist activities” during the June 25 anti-government protests.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) picked up Mwangi from his Lukenya home in Machakos County. According to a statement posted by the DCI on X (formerly Twitter), the officers recovered two phones, a laptop, and several notebooks at the time of the arrest.
He was later escorted to his office at Mageuzi Hub in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area, where detectives say they seized a larger haul:
- Nine assorted external hard drives
- Two laptops
- Company seals and cheque books for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd
- Two unused tear gas canisters
- One 7.62mm blank round of ammunition
Mwangi is currently being held at Pangani Police Station and is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, July 21. Charges may include facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition, police say.
“Why the Silence?” Kenyans React
The arrest triggered an immediate uproar on social media, with thousands questioning both the timing and motive behind it.
“Where’s the evidence of terrorism? Don’t turn peaceful protest into a crime,” one user posted under the DCI thread.
Others echoed concern over the broad use of anti-terror laws, especially against high-profile critics. “This is about silencing dissent,” another commented. “We’ve seen this movie before.”
Still, a section of Kenyans urged patience and objectivity. “Let him have his day in court,” wrote one user. “If innocent, the truth will come out.”
Background & Broader Context
Mwangi, a former photojournalist turned outspoken political activist, has long been a thorn in the side of government officials. He is known for organising public protests, street murals, and civic campaigns calling out corruption and impunity.
The June 25 protests, which turned chaotic in parts of Nairobi and several other Counties, were among the largest in recent years. Human rights groups documented several injuries and arrests. But claims of organised “terror activity” have, until now, not surfaced publicly.
Legal experts say the arrest raises important constitutional questions.
“The Anti-Terrorism and Penal Code laws require strict evidentiary thresholds,” said one Nairobi-based criminal lawyer. “Possession of canisters or blanks does not automatically imply intent or terrorism.”
What Next?
As Kenyans await his court appearance, pressure is mounting on the DCI to clarify the evidence linking Mwangi to terror activities—and whether due process is being followed.
Human rights watchdogs, both local and international, are likely to weigh in in the coming days.
For now, Mwangi’s supporters are planning to gather outside the court on Monday.
“This isn’t just about Bonnie,” one tweet read. “It’s about all of us.”
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