Boniface Mwangi Faces Ammunition, Tear Gas Charges as Terror-Related Accusations Dropped
Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi is set to face fresh charges at the Kahawa Law Courts over possession of ammunition and tear gas canisters, after the state dropped earlier accusations linking him to the facilitation of terrorist activities.
According to a charge sheet seen by Citymirror, Mwangi is accused of being in possession of one 7.62mm blank round and three unused tear gas canisters. The items were reportedly recovered during a search at his Mageuzi Hub offices in Hurlingham, Nairobi.
The new charges follow a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detailing Mwangi’s arrest on Saturday, July 19. The DCI claimed Mwangi was apprehended at his Lukenya home in Machakos County in connection with the June 25 anti-government protests, during which he was allegedly involved in facilitating acts of terror.
During the arrest, officers reportedly seized two phones, a laptop, and notebooks. Mwangi was then taken to his office, where additional items were recovered, including hard drives, cheque books, company stamps, seals, and other electronic devices.
He has since been held at Pangani Police Station, and is expected to appear in court today on the amended charges.
Mwangi’s legal team has dismissed the arrest and prosecution as politically motivated, while civil society groups have condemned the move, calling for his immediate release and respect for due process.
The case has sparked nationwide attention, drawing criticism from human rights defenders, opposition leaders, and concerned citizens who accuse the government of cracking down on dissent.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned the arrest, joining a growing list of political and civic leaders backing the activist.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) issued a strongly worded statement, accusing the state of criminalizing legitimate protest.
“We know who is not a terrorist. And we know who the real terrorist is — a regime that targets, persecutes, and kills its people simply for exercising their constitutional right to protest,” the KHRC said in part.
