Kenyan activist arrested, faces terror charges

Boniface Mwangi’s Detention Sparks International Outcry

Yesterday, the Kenyan authorities announced that Boniface Mwangi, a well‑known activist, has been placed in custody. The charges claim that Mwangi helped organize “terrorist activities” during a protest that erupted last month.

Background of the June Protest

• On June 25, activists rallied against President William Ruto’s administration, demanding reforms and an end to police brutality.
• The demonstration claimed at least 19 fatalities, echoing the tone of last year’s larger protest on the same date.

Mwangi’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Mwangi was seized at his residence near Nairobi and is now being held at a police station in the city’s capital. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced that he will face arraignment on Monday.

In a “social media post shared by fellow activists,” Mwangi denied the accusations, stating: “I am not a terrorist.”

Online Reactions and Hashtag Movements

The detention quickly ignited a wave of condemnation on digital platforms. The hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trended, mobilizing supporters.

Condemnation from Rights Organizations

Multiple human‑rights groups slammed the arrest. They criticized the police’s use of a search warrant that the activist’s ally reportedly shared with journalists, which alleged that Mwangi had paid “goons” to incite unrest during last month’s protests.

However, 37 rights organizations and several activists reported that they had yet to confirm that a judge had issued the warrant.

Joint Statement from 37 Organizations

“Mwangi’s arrest on unjustified terrorism allegations constitutes an abuse of the justice system to suppress opposition,” the joint statement read.

“What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has evolved into a full‑scale assault on Kenya’s democracy,” the groups added.

Evidence Seized from Mwangi’s Home and Office

Investigators said that they confiscated two mobile phones, a laptop, several notebooks, hard drives, two additional computers, two unused tear gas canisters, and a blank firearm cartridge from Mwangi’s house in Lukenya, east of the capital, as well as from his office in Nairobi.

History of Mwangi’s Arrests

Mwangi, a former photojournalist, has faced several arrests in Kenya. On May 19, he was detained in Dar es Salaam, the largest city of neighboring Tanzania, while rallying in support of treason‑accused Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

Both Mwangi and fellow detainee award‑winning Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire accuse the police of torture and sexual abuse while in custody. The pair have filed a case with the East African Court of Justice.

Context of Kenya’s Abductions and Police Violence

Since the start of Kenya’s mass protest movement last year, President Ruto has faced sharp criticism over a series of abductions and police violence. Rights groups say more than 100 people have been killed during the protests, which were harshly suppressed.