Prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has been released on a Ksh.1 million personal bond after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition at the Kahawa Law Courts in Nairobi.
Mwangi was arrested on Saturday evening at his Lukenya home in Machakos County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who accused him of facilitating acts of terror during the June 25 nationwide demonstrations held in honour of victims of last year’s anti-tax protests.
DCI officers claimed to have recovered two unused tear gas canisters and a single blank round of ammunition during a search at Mwangi’s Nairobi office in Hurlingham. They alleged that the items were evidence of the activist’s involvement in activities meant to incite public fear and disorder.
However, during Monday’s arraignment, the charge sheet presented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions did not include any terrorism-related offences. Instead, Mwangi was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.
According to the charge sheet, Mwangi was found with three tear gas canisters and one round of 7.62 x 51mm blank ammunition on July 19, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub in Nairobi. He allegedly had no valid firearm certificate or lawful authority for the items.
Mwangi pleaded not guilty to both charges. Principal Magistrate Gedion Kiage granted his release on a personal bond of Ksh.1 million pending further proceedings.
Written By Rodney Mbua
