Latest news with #BonifaceMwangi
France 24
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France 24
4 hours ago
- Politics
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The South African
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
Kenya dropped terror charges against activist Boniface Mwangi
Kenya dropped terrorism charges against activist Boniface Mwangi following widespread criticism on 21 July 2025. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had arrested Mwangi at his Lukenya home on 19 July 2025. Authorities initially accused him of facilitating terrorist acts during the 25 June 2025 protests. Rights groups condemned the charges as politically motivated and legally unfounded. Furthermore, Mwangi denied all allegations, declaring publicly, 'I am not a terrorist'. Mwangi now faces two charges: possession of blank ammunition and noxious substances without authority. The charge sheet cites one round of 7.62 mm blank ammunition and three teargas canisters found at Mageuzi Hub, Nairobi. Police allegedly recovered these items during a search on 19 July 2025. Mwangi pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond of KSh 1 million (approximately R140 000 – R150 000). His lawyer, Njanja Maina, disputed the legitimacy of the evidence presented. A coalition of 37 rights organisations, including the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG), criticised the government's use of anti-terrorism laws against protesters. They stated Mwangi's arrest reflects a broader crackdown on youth-led dissent. Former Chief Justice David Maraga accused the government of weaponising the judiciary to silence critics. In addition, Siaya Governor James Orengo called the charges 'ridiculous' and legally baseless. The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit's involvement in protest-related arrests has sparked legal and public concern. CONTEXT: PROTESTS AND POLICE VIOLENCE Mwangi's arrest followed deadly protests against President William Ruto on 25 June 2025. Demonstrators demanded accountability for police brutality and economic hardship. Over 100 deaths have been reported since protests began in 2024, according to rights groups. Mwangi has previously faced arrest in Kenya and Tanzania for activism. As a result, his case at the East African Court of Justice alleges torture by Tanzanian police in May 2025. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
4 hours ago
- Politics
- News24
Kenya drops terror charges against activist Boniface Mwangi
The prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition on Monday in a case stemming from his alleged role in street protests against the government. Mwangi's supporters had feared he would be charged with the more serious offense of terrorism. He was freed on bond immediately after his appearance in court on Monday. Authorities said Mwangi helped organise unrest during the 25 June protests, which turned violent and left at least 19 people dead. The protest itself had been called to remember victims of police violence at another major protest against President William Ruto's government on the same date in 2024. What do we know about the case? Mwangi, 42, was arrested on Saturday and accused by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations with the 'facilitation of terrorist acts', which he denied, declaring in an image on X: 'I am not a terrorist.' Police said they recovered several items from his home, including unused teargas canisters, a 7.62mm blank round, mobile phones, a laptop, and notebooks. The charge sheet states that Mwangi was 'found in possession of noxious substances to wit three teargas canisters without lawful authority'. Tony Karumba/AFP He also faces a charge for possessing a single round of blank ammunition illegally. On Sunday, police had said they planned to arraign Mwangi on Monday for facilitating 'terrorist acts' linked to the protests. Boniface Mwangi's attorney Njanja Maina has said the activist never possessed any of the items police claim to have found. Mwangi's wife, Njeri, said on social media that security personnel had raided their home 'talking of terrorism and arson'. The courtroom in Nairobi was packed with supporters and activists, many draped in Kenyan flags, including Mwangi himself. He was bailed out immediately after his appearance in court on Monday. 'The truth is our president is scared of young people, because young people are organising by themselves, they are going to the streets, they are demanding better,' Mwangi told supporters and journalists outside the court. Who is Boniface Mwangi? Mwangi, a longtime anti-corruption campaigner and former parliamentary candidate, is known for his outspoken criticism of police abuses and state repression. His arrest comes amid renewed unrest in Kenya, triggered in June by the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. Ojwang's death, which police first claimed was a suicide, sparked national outrage after an autopsy pointed to physical assault. The protests have built on earlier demonstrations against the high cost of living, corruption, and alleged police brutality. In May, Mwangi was briefly detained and deported from Tanzania after attending a court hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu. He later alleged that Tanzanian security officers had assaulted him and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire during custody.
France 24
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
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