Nairobi, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of prominent activist Boniface Mwangi in connection with the June 25 nationwide protests, citing allegations of facilitating terrorist activities. Mwangi is currently being held at Pangani Police Station pending arraignment on Monday, July 21.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, investigators recovered one 7.62mm blank round and two unused tear gas canisters during a raid on Mwangi’s office at the Metropolitan Court premises along Argwings Kodhek Road. The search also yielded multiple electronic devices including nine external hard drives, two laptops, company documents, seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six cheque books, and copies of stamp duty records.
Police said Mwangi faces charges relating to the facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Mwangi’s arrest comes amid a broader government crackdown on individuals allegedly linked to recent mass demonstrations across the country. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that over 1,500 suspects have been detained for offences ranging from terrorism and murder to arson and attacks on critical infrastructure.
“This disturbing trend of targeting police stations, stealing firearms and ammunition points to a coordinated attempt to undermine public safety,” Murkomen said, pledging swift action against what he described as “anarchist elements.”
However, the arrest has drawn swift condemnation from human rights groups. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) accused the state of using terrorism charges to suppress dissent, calling for Mwangi’s immediate release and an end to what it described as judicial harassment of protesters and defenders of civil liberties.
As legal proceedings loom, the case is expected to intensify debate over civil rights, state authority, and the limits of protest in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
