Latest news with #KNCHR
Russia Today
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Kenya charges ‘People's Watchman' over deadly protests
Kenya has charged rights activist Boniface Mwangi with illegal possession of ammunition over his alleged role in last month's deadly protests, amid a crackdown on anti-government rallies in the East African country. Mwangi, who calls himself 'The People's Watchman', was arrested over the weekend at his residence in Lukenya, Machakos County, on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi. The Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said in a statement on Sunday that investigators seized mobile phones, a laptop, and notebooks from Mwangi's home, and recovered hard drives, computers, unused tear gas canisters, and a blank firearm round from his office in the city. He was taken into custody on charges of facilitating terrorist acts and unlawfully possessing ammunition. On Monday, the activist was arraigned in a courtroom in Nairobi packed with hundreds of supporters, Reuters reported. According to court papers shared on X by CNN correspondent Larry Madowo, Mwangi was 'found in possession of noxious substances to wit three teargas canisters without lawful authority.' Local broadcaster NTV Kenya reported that the court granted Mwangi a personal bond of Sh1 million (about $7,700), allowing his release without an upfront payment unless he violates the terms of his release. At least 19 people were killed during nationwide demonstrations in June, the state-run Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has stated. The protests sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger and teacher who died in police custody, coincided with the first anniversary of last year's youth-led marches against a controversial finance bill later withdrawn by the government. Six people, including three police officers, were charged with murder in connection with Ojwang's death, though all pleaded not guilty. Nearly 40 more people were killed in protests earlier this month, according to KNCHR estimates. Kenyan President William Ruto called the blogger's death 'in the hands of the police' a 'heartbreaking and unacceptable' incident. Last week, however, Ruto denounced the violent protests as a declaration of war and ordered law enforcement to shoot 'anyone caught burning another person's business or property' in the legs.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
High-profile Kenyan activist faces terror charges over anti-government protests
Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi is due in court on accusations of "facilitation of terrorist acts" during last month's deadly anti-government protests in which at least 19 people died. On Sunday, investigators said they had seized phones, a laptop, and notebooks from Mr Mwangi's Lukenya home on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, and hard drives, computers, tear gas canisters and a blank firearm round from his office in the city. His arrest has sparked a wave of condemnation, with human rights groups denouncing it was aimed at suppressing opposition voices. The activist has denied the accusations, saying in a post on X: "I am not a terrorist." According to the Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Mr Mwangi stands accused of "offences related to facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition". The alleged offences are linked to the 25 June protests when, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 19 people died as demonstrators clashed with police. Hundreds were also injured and property and businesses were damaged. In the aftermath, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described the demonstrations as "terrorism disguised as dissent" and an "unconstitutional attempt" to change the government. At least 38 more people were killed in subsequent protests earlier this month, the KNHCR has said. Since June last year, more than 100 people have been killed in successive waves of anti-government protests, with police accused of using excessive force to quell unrest. On Sunday, a coalition of 37 rights organisations condemned Mr Mwangi's arrest on "unjustified terrorism allegations", describing it as the "latest escalation in a systematic crackdown that has seen hundreds of young Kenyans detained on fabricated terrorism charges". "What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy," they said in a joint statement. James Orengo, a veteran politician and governor of Siaya county, said it was "ridiculous to charge Boniface Mwangi and our children who have demonstrated a high level of political consciousness with terrorism". Mr Mwangi has been detained multiple times in the past, and has been at the centre of many protests. In May, he and a Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire were detained in Tanzania, where they had travelled to attend the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is accused of treason. Following their release several days later, both said they had been abducted, tortured and sexually assaulted. They have since filed a case at the regional East African Court of Justice over the matter. You may also be interested in: Is William Ruto the most disliked president in Kenya's history? Why the death of a blogger has put Kenya's police on trial 'Shoot in the leg' - Kenyan leader orders police to curb violent protests Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent? BBC identifies security forces who shot Kenya anti-tax protesters Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Focus on Africa This Is Africa
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Boniface Mwangi: Kenyan activist faces terrorism charges over protests
Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi is due in court on accusations of "facilitation of terrorist acts" during last month's deadly anti-government protests in which at least 19 people Sunday, investigators said they had seized phones, a laptop, and notebooks from Mr Mwangi's Lukenya home on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, and hard drives, computers, tear gas canisters and a blank firearm round from his office in the arrest has sparked a wave of condemnation, with human rights groups denouncing it was aimed at suppressing opposition activist has denied the accusations, saying in a post on X: "I am not a terrorist." According to the Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Mr Mwangi stands accused of "offences related to facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition".The alleged offences are linked to the 25 June protests when, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 19 people died as demonstrators clashed with police. Hundreds were also injured and property and businesses were the aftermath, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described the demonstrations as "terrorism disguised as dissent" and an "unconstitutional attempt" to change the least 38 more people were killed in subsequent protests earlier this month, the KNHCR has said. Since June last year, more than 100 people have been killed in successive waves of anti-government protests, with police accused of using excessive force to quell Sunday, a coalition of 37 rights organisations condemned Mr Mwangi's arrest on "unjustified terrorism allegations", describing it as the "latest escalation in a systematic crackdown that has seen hundreds of young Kenyans detained on fabricated terrorism charges"."What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy," they said in a joint Orengo, a veteran politician and governor of Siaya county, said it was "ridiculous to charge Boniface Mwangi and our children who have demonstrated a high level of political consciousness with terrorism".Mr Mwangi has been detained multiple times in the past, and has been at the centre of many protests. In May, he and a Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire were detained in Tanzania, where they had travelled to attend the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is accused of their release several days later, both said they had been abducted, tortured and sexually assaulted. They have since filed a case at the regional East African Court of Justice over the matter. You may also be interested in: Is William Ruto the most disliked president in Kenya's history?Why the death of a blogger has put Kenya's police on trial'Shoot in the leg' - Kenyan leader orders police to curb violent protestsAre East African governments uniting to silence dissent?BBC identifies security forces who shot Kenya anti-tax protesters Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Riot, repression and reform: Will Kenya finally change?
If the Kenyan government does not change course, it won't just endanger the country but also destabilise the region read more (File) Riot police patrol on a road covered with rocks, during demonstrations to mark the historic 1990 Saba Saba (a Swahili word that means seven seven) protests for democratic reforms in the Kangemi slum of Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, July 7, 2025. AP July 7, 2025, marked the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba (Seven Seven) protests in Kenya. On that day in 1990, pro-democracy demonstrators filled the streets of Nairobi to challenge President Daniel arap Moi's one-party regime. This year, the anniversary was not a commemoration—it was a continuation. In recent weeks, protests have swept across Kenya; these protests have met with lethal state violence and mass arrests. The question now looms larger than ever: can Kenya break the cycle of repression—or will it repeat history, yet again? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mayhem and Massacre Revisited On June 25, 2025, 19 people were killed and hundreds injured as police opened fire on protestors. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of opposition blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang in police custody and coincided with the anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, during which at least 63 people were killed. Just two weeks later, on July 7 (Saba Saba Day), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 31 more deaths, over 100 injuries, 532 arrests, and two forced disappearances. Police violence has become the state's default response to public dissent. 'Shoot the Legs': Ruto's Chilling Orders President William Ruto, elected in 2022 on promises of reform, has instead responded to civil unrest with rhetoric of war. Blaming political opponents and labeling protesters as 'terrorists,' he declared: 'Those who attack our police… that is a declaration of war. We are going to deal with you firmly… They shouldn't kill them (protesters), but they should shoot their legs so they break, and they can go to hospital on their way to court.' Such remarks shocked many Kenyans and underscored the regime's deepening authoritarian tendencies. Broken Promises, Boiling Anger Ruto rose to power vowing to uplift Kenya's struggling masses—but Kenyans today are more disillusioned than ever. Youth unemployment is rampant, inflation bites hard, and corruption remains pervasive. What fuels these protests is not just outrage over one death—but anger over decades of economic despair and political betrayal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protest as a Constant—and a Crime Kenya's Constitution guarantees the right to protest under Article 37. This right is also enshrined in international treaties such as the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Yet, in practice, every Kenyan regime—from colonial rule to the current one—has criminalized protest. The cycle is tragically familiar: protest erupts, the state responds with brute force. History of Repression and Resistance 1. Mau Mau Uprising (1951–1960): Anti-colonial revolt led by the Kikuyu, Meru, and Embu. Over 11,000 killed, 1 million displaced. It eventually paved the way for independence in 1963. 2. Jomo Kenyatta Era (1964–1978): Initial unity gave way to suppression of dissent. Protests followed political assassinations (Pinto, Mboya, Kariuki). The Kisumu Massacre (1969) saw security forces fire on protesters during Kenyatta's visit. 3. Daniel arap Moi Era (1978–2002): Moi turned Kenya into a de jure one-party state. Student uprisings, an aborted coup, mass detentions, torture, and the watershed Saba Saba protest of 1990 eventually forced a return to multi-party democracy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 4. Mwai Kibaki Era (2002–2013): Initial optimism faded amid corruption and electoral fraud. Post-election violence in 2007 killed 1,100 and displaced 600,000. 5. Uhuru Kenyatta Era (2013–2022): Controversial elections sparked mass protests. The 2017 election annulment by the Supreme Court was historic but followed by more clashes and deaths. 6. William Ruto Era (2022–present): Disputed elections, protests against economic hardship, and the Gen Z-led 2024 Finance Bill uprising all mark Ruto's troubled tenure. That uprising led to the storming of Parliament and dozens of deaths. Back to Saba Saba, Once Again Kenya is burning once more. The death of Albert Ojwang lit the fuse. On June 25, 2025, 16 people were killed across 27 counties. On July 7, another 31 fell. But this is more than rage—it is remembrance. For many, these rallies aren't only protests. They're echoes of a long fight for freedom, democracy, and dignity. Writing on the Wall President Ruto is three years into his term. The next election is two years away. Between now and then, he must choose: reform or repression. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He must listen to the valid grievances of Kenya's youth, address inequality, curb police brutality, and begin the hard work of healing a fractured nation. The police's place is not on the streets terrorizing citizens—but in the barracks, serving the people. If the government does not change course, it won't just endanger Kenya—it may destabilise the region. The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Gen Z leads Kenya's ‘Saba Saba March' against tax hikes and police brutality
Written by Eshan Agarwal Thousands had gathered at Nairobi's Kamukunji Grounds on July 7, 1990 to defy the then President Daniel arap Moi's ban on public gatherings. The protest was led by Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga where they demanded for the one-party clause embedded in the constitution to be revoked. Despite being faced with tear gas and batons, the protests' demands were heard and the president restored the multiparty system in December of 1991. Ever since, Saba Saba – meaning 'seven seven' – in Kiswahili has been a symbol of courage and Kenya's democratic right. This year, Kenyans took to the streets to protest against its government but were unfortunately met with lethal attacks from police in unmarked vehicles. This resulted in numerous casualties as well as the largest number of injuries and arrests to come from a Saba Saba protest till date. Evolution over the years Since its origin, Saba Saba has surpassed simply fighting for democracy. In the 2000s, activists used the occasion to highlight land rights and justice for the environment, whereas the 2010s turned its attention to police accountability and corruption. Now, the protests are largely driven by Gen Z, where they advocate for digital freedom, economic equality for all, and deeper political involvement ensuring Saba Saba continues to be an evolving force. Monday's nationwide protests This year's Saba Saba aligned with a recent finance bill that proposed higher taxes on digital transactions, fuel, and more basic goods. Outraged by this, thousands of young Kenyans marched in protest of this. There were chants for President William Ruto's resignation as well as demanding lowered prices of fuel, school fees, and action on the maize flour shortage. Security crackdown and shoot-on-sight order Not giving into the demands of the protesters, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen issued a 'shoot on sight' order for anyone who attempted to damage or storm police stations. Officers in covert vehicles attacked with tear gas, water cannons, and live rounds which violated court orders stating that police were supposed to have clear identification. By the end of the day, there had been at least 31 deaths, 107 injuries, and 532 arrests, reported KNCHR, recording the most lethal day in Saba Saba history. Economic and political grievances Over 25 percent of the youth in Kenya is unemployed. This, paired with inflation, led to rapid price hikes on basic commodities and deepened inequality. Protesters see the new finance bill as an attack on the already struggling families and the sign of an ignorant government. The passing of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang nearly a month earlier in police custody had intensified the calls for transparency and justice, further emphasising how out of touch the government was from ordinary Kenyans. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
