Kenya has dropped terrorism expenses towards activist Boniface Mwangi following widespread criticism on 21 July 2025.
The Directorate of Prison Investigations (DCI) had arrested Mwangi at his Lukenya house on 19 July 2025.
Authorities initially accused him of facilitating terrorist acts throughout the 25 June 2025 protests. Rights teams condemned the fees as politically motivated and legally unfounded.
Moreover, Mwangi denied all allegations, declaring publicly, “I’m not a terrorist”.
NEW CHARGES: AMMUNITION AND TEAR GAS POSSESSION
Mwangi now faces two expenses: possession of clean ammunition and noxious substances with out authority.
The cost sheet cites one spherical of seven.62 mm clean ammunition and three teargas canisters discovered at Mageuzi Hub, Nairobi. Police allegedly recovered these things throughout a search on 19 July 2025.
Mwangi pleaded not responsible and was launched on a bond of KSh 1 million (roughly R140 000 – R150 000). His lawyer, Njanja Maina, disputed the legitimacy of the proof introduced.
RIGHTS GROUPS WARN OF SYSTEMIC ABUSE
A coalition of 37 rights organisations, together with the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG), criticised the federal government’s use of anti-terrorism legal guidelines towards protesters.
They said Mwangi’s arrest displays a broader crackdown on youth-led dissent. Former Chief Justice David Maraga accused the federal government of weaponising the judiciary to silence critics.
As well as, Siaya Governor James Orengo known as the fees “ridiculous” and legally baseless.
The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit’s involvement in protest-related arrests has sparked authorized and public concern.
CONTEXT: PROTESTS AND POLICE VIOLENCE
Mwangi’s arrest adopted lethal protests towards President William Ruto on 25 June 2025. Demonstrators demanded accountability for police brutality and financial hardship.
Over 100 deaths have been reported since protests started in 2024, in accordance with rights teams. Mwangi has beforehand confronted arrest in Kenya and Tanzania for activism.
In consequence, his case on the East African Courtroom of Justice alleges torture by Tanzanian police in Might 2025.
SHOULD KENYA REFORM ANTI-TERROR LAWS TARGETING ACTIVISTS?
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