Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested on July 19, 2025, at his Lukenya home and is facing terrorism-related charges. Authorities allege he played a role in organizing the deadly June 25 protests in Nairobi, which followed the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. Mwangi was detained at Pangani Police Station, with police claiming they found tear gas canisters, a blank round of ammunition, and digital devices during searches at his home and office. He is expected to appear in court on July 21 to formally face charges of facilitating terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The arrest has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups and political leaders, who accuse the government of criminalizing dissent. The Kenya Human Rights Commission, ICJ Kenya, and Siaya Governor James Orengo called the charges an abuse of anti-terror laws to silence protest voices. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka vowed legal support for Mwangi, accusing the state of brutality. Rights groups also raised concerns over the legality of the search and possible evidence planting, demanding Mwangi’s immediate release and a halt to the crackdown on political activism.
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