Kenyan Activist Boniface Mwangi Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorism Linked to Anti-Government Protests

Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi

Prominent Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested over the weekend on allegations of facilitating terrorist acts tied to last month’s deadly anti-government protests. Authorities confirmed that Mwangi will be arraigned on Monday in connection with multiple charges.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced that Mwangi was apprehended on Saturday at his residence in Machakos County. During the raid, investigators seized two unused tear gas canisters, a 7.62mm blank round, two mobile phones, a laptop, and notebooks. Police stated the recovered items are part of an ongoing investigation into organized unrest.

In addition to the terrorism-related charges, Mwangi is also facing prosecution for unlawful possession of ammunition.

Mwangi, a former parliamentary candidate known for his outspoken stance against corruption and police brutality, has long been a central figure in Kenya’s civil rights movement. His arrest follows weeks of nationwide demonstrations sparked by public outrage over economic hardship, police misconduct, and the recent death of political blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

The protests escalated dramatically on June 25, resulting in 19 confirmed deaths, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. A second wave of demonstrations on July 7 claimed another 31 lives, bringing the total number of protest-related deaths to 50.

The movement has been largely youth-led, with many organizing through social media platforms to call for government accountability and reform. Protesters cite rising unemployment, inflation, and systemic abuse by law enforcement as key grievances.

Mwangi has faced repeated confrontations with regional authorities. In May, he was detained and deported from Tanzania, where he had gone to observe court proceedings in a treason case against opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Mwangi later alleged he was sexually assaulted by Tanzanian security personnel during the detention and filed a formal complaint with the East African Court of Justice on Friday regarding the incident.

As the Kenyan government continues its crackdown on dissent, Mwangi’s arrest is expected to further inflame tensions between authorities and civil society.