African News
Kenyan Police Arrest Activist Boniface Mwangi Over Alleged Role In Deadly Anti-Government Protests
Kenyan police have arrested prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi and plan to arraign him on Monday over suspected involvement in “terrorist acts” tied to last month’s deadly anti-government protests, authorities announced on Sunday.
According to a statement posted on X by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mwangi was arrested at his home in Machakos County on Saturday. During the arrest, police said they recovered two unused tear gas canisters, a 7.62mm blank round, two mobile phones, a laptop, and notebooks.
In addition to facing terrorism-related charges, Mwangi is also expected to be arraigned for the alleged unlawful possession of ammunition, the DCI added.
A representative for Mwangi could not be reached immediately for comment.
Mwangi’s arrest comes amid mounting tension in Kenya following the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month. Ojwang’s death sparked renewed demonstrations against rising living costs, corruption, and alleged police brutality—issues that have fuelled public anger in recent months.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, a government-funded body, reported that 19 people were killed in the June 25 protests, which were cited in the DCI’s post about Mwangi. Another 31 people were confirmed dead when protests resumed on July 7, the commission added.
The demonstrations, largely led by young Kenyans mobilized through social media, have intensified nationwide calls for reform and accountability.
Mwangi, who once contested for parliament on an anti-corruption platform, is widely known for his outspoken activism. In May, he was arrested and deported from neighbouring Tanzania, where he had gone to attend a court hearing in the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
After his return, Mwangi alleged that Tanzanian security personnel sexually assaulted him while he was in detention. On Friday, he filed a formal complaint at the East African Court of Justice regarding the incident.