Prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi is set to appear in court on Monday, July 21, to face charges related to the facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition, authorities have confirmed.
Mwangi was arrested on Saturday, July 19, by detectives at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, in connection with the June 25 protests. According to a statement released by law enforcement, his arrest is tied to suspicions that he played a role in organizing or supporting activities deemed terror-related during the demonstrations.
During the operation at his residence, detectives reportedly seized two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks believed to be crucial to their investigations. The activist was subsequently taken into custody and is currently being held at Pangani Police Station in Nairobi.
“Mwangi is currently in custody at Pangani Police Station, where he is undergoing processing to be arraigned tomorrow, Monday, July 21, 2025, for offences related to facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition,” the police said in a statement issued over the weekend.
Mwangi’s arrest has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trending across platforms. Supporters, civil society groups, and fellow activists have decried the arrest as politically motivated and called for his immediate release. Many view the move as a broader crackdown on dissent amid mounting public frustration with the government.
Boniface Mwangi, widely known for his vocal activism and past confrontations with state authorities, has often been at the forefront of social justice campaigns in Kenya. He has previously faced arrests and threats but has remained a prominent voice challenging corruption, police brutality, and abuse of power.
Calls for transparency in his case are growing louder, with human rights organizations demanding that due process be followed and that Mwangi be allowed access to legal representation and his family.
Njeri Mwangi, the wife to Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi who was detained on suspicion of facilitating “terrorist acts” linked to last month’s deadly anti-government protests, addresses the media outside the Pangani Police Station, in Nairobi, Kenya July 20, 2025. REUTERS/John Muchucha
Authorities, however, insist that the arrest was based on credible intelligence and that the investigation will follow all legal procedures. As the case unfolds, it is expected to draw significant public interest, both locally and internationally.
Mwangi’s court appearance on Monday will likely set the stage for a legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for civil liberties and the right to protest in Kenya.
Written By Rodney Mbua
