NAIROBI – Activist Boniface Mwangi has been released on a Ksh1 million personal bond after denying charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and restricted weapons. Boniface Mwangi appeared before Principal Magistrate Gedion Kiage at the Kahawa Law Courts on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to two charges filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
According to court documents, Mwangi was allegedly found with three teargas canisters at the Mageuzi Hub in Hurlingham, Nairobi, on July 19. He was also accused of possessing one round of 7.62 x 51mm blank ammunition without a valid firearm certificate.
The prosecution confirmed both items were recovered during a search at the activist’s office conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The charges followed Mwangi’s arrest at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, on Saturday. Authorities had initially accused him of involvement in activities linked to national security threats but later dropped terrorism allegations, opting to pursue lesser firearms-related charges.
Magistrate Kiage granted bond without additional bail conditions and scheduled the case for mention on August 19.
Boniface Mwangi has not issued a public statement since his court appearance. His arrest and prosecution have sparked criticism from rights groups and political leaders, who have accused the state of misusing laws intended for national security to target dissenting voices.
The ODPP has not commented further on the rationale behind the amended charges. The case remains under judicial review.
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