Kenya lifts terror charge, clearing respected activist.
Kenya Drops Terrorism Charges Against Boniface Mwangi
After a nationwide backlash, Kenyan authorities have dismissed the terrorism accusations leveled against activist Boniface Mwangi. The charges were replaced with a lesser offence of unlawful ammunition possession.
Context: Protests & Police Brutality
- Widespread demonstrations have erupted in June 2024 over tax hikes, gaining momentum last month as police clashed with protestors.
- Fatalities and property damage have left dozens dead and thousands of businesses destroyed.
- Rights advocates accuse the government of a heavy‑handed response, including the use of terrorism charges against dissenters.
Mwangi’s Detention & Court Appearance
Mwangi was detained on Saturday by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, which blamed him with “facilitation of terrorist acts”. He vehemently denied the allegation and posted a claim on X: “I am not a terrorist”.
On Monday, Mwangi appeared before a Nairobi court, chanting “Ruto Must Go”. The ruling mentioned possession of “noisy substances”, specifically three tear gas canisters without lawful authority, and a single round of blank ammunition.
Bail & Plea
After pleading not guilty, Mwangi was released on a bail of one million Kenyan shillings (around $7,000).
Statement to Supporters & Media
Outside the court, Mwangi told journalists and supporters:
- “Our president is scared of young people. Young people organize independently, go to the streets, demand better.”
- “He thinks people are paid to go to the streets and he thinks I am the financier.”
- “People hate Ruto for free.”
Rights Groups’ Reaction
A consortium of human rights organisations welcomed the court’s decision but remains deeply concerned about the use of terrorism accusations in more than 100 other cases. They urged authorities to abandon this dangerous approach to managing public dissent.
#FreeBonifaceMwangi
Mwangi’s weekend detention triggered a furious online backlash under the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi. The police search warrant used in raiding his home and office accused Mwangi of paying “goons” to stir unrest at last month’s protests.
Mwangi’s History of Arrests
He has faced multiple arrests in Kenya, and in May he was detained in neighbouring Tanzania while attending the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire reported torture and sexual abuse while held by Tanzanian police before being returned to their respective countries. The pair filed a case against the Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan governments before the East African Court of Justice last week.
Protest Casualties
Rights organisations claim more than 100 people have been killed by police in the latest round of protests, while the government puts the figure at 42.
In summary, Kenyan authorities have dropped terrorism charges against Boniface Mwangi following widespread condemnation. The case highlights the contentious use of terror accusations in protest suppression and underscores the continuing human rights concerns surrounding police violence and arbitrary detentions.
