Latest news with #Mwangi
The Print
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
Kenya rights activist charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, court papers show
Mwangi was 'found in possession of noxious substances to wit three teargas canisters without lawful authority,' according to a charge sheet seen by Reuters. Police arrested Mwangi, 42, on Saturday and said they had recovered evidence from his home, including unused teargas canisters, a '7.62mm blank round', two mobile phones, a laptop and notebooks. NAIROBI (Reuters) -Prominent Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was charged on Monday with unlawful possession of ammunition over his alleged role in deadly anti-government protests in June, according to court papers seen by Reuters. He was also accused of illegal possession of a single round of blank ammunition. The courtroom in the capital Nairobi was packed with hundreds of activists, some wearing Kenyan flags. Over the years Mwangi, who once ran for parliament on an anti-corruption platform, has earned a reputation for speaking out against human rights violations in Kenya and elsewhere. Last month hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets to protest against the death in police custody of political blogger Albert Ojwang. Police initially implied that Ojwang had died by suicide but later apologised after an autopsy found that his wounds pointed to assault as the cause of death. The demonstration over Ojwang's death reignited protests that had erupted last year over the cost of living and alleged police brutality and corruption. In May, Mwangi was arrested and deported from neighboring Tanzania, where he had traveled to observe a hearing in a treason case against detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu. He said afterwards that members of the Tanzanian security forces had sexually assaulted him and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire during their detention. (Reporting by Humphrey Malalo; Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Ammu Kannampilly and Sharon Singleton) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
CNN
6 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya's government of criminalizing dissent
One of Kenya's most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country. Boniface Mwangi was arrested over the weekend 'in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities' during the June 25 protests, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on social media on Sunday, drawing immediate outrage among activists. When the 42-year-old award-winning photographer appeared in court on Monday, the terrorism charges had been downgraded to two counts of 'possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate' because of teargas canisters and blank rounds allegedly found at his office. His arrest came as activists say more than 100 protesters have been charged with terror-related offenses, arson and money laundering in the past month over demonstrations sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration – especially among the youth whose support propelled him into power. 'I'm known as a human rights defender, not a terrorist,' Mwangi told CNN on Monday evening after he was released on bail. 'I'm so fired up; I'm not scared at all. The only thing that can stop me is a bullet in my head, but as long as I'm alive I'll keep organizing for regime change. The government we have in power is not working for the people.' Mwangi, who has been critical of successive Kenyan governments and describes himself as 'the people's watchman,' said he was arrested at home by plainclothes policemen on Saturday and taken to his office in the capital Nairobi. He claimed policemen ransacked the office, confiscating devices and finding two unused teargas canisters and one blank round. Protesters often display the canisters or rounds during demonstrations to journalists as evidence of police brutality and use of excessive force. Video on social media showed Mwangi shout 'Ruto Must Go!' as he was driven away from his office on Saturday. Mwangi denied the charges; a judge freed him on a personal bond and set a hearing date for August 21. Protests erupted in the country in June after several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher while in police custody. During the protests, claims swirled among frustrated demonstrators on social media that government-affiliated politicians had hired people to attack peaceful protesters and damage property to discredit the demonstrations. The Law Society of Kenya, which advises and assists the legal profession, government and public, said the protests had been 'infiltrated by armed, hired goons' in a scathing statement on Monday. 'We strongly condemn this malicious, deliberate re-emergence of radicalized militia sponsored by the political class.' During recent protests, CNN saw groups of men armed with batons marching alongside police and beating up civilians in Nairobi while uniformed officers watched. Businesses were burnt in other parts of the country and a police station attacked. CNN has asked the Kenyan government and police for comment, but has not heard back. President Ruto accused some politicians of misleading youth to riot on Sunday and warned of consequences: 'The police are trained to deal with criminals. They're not trained in parenting. So, if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?' The right to protest is protected under Kenya's constitution but authorities have characterized recent demonstrations as chaotic looting sprees. Kenyan prosecutors slapped several youths with arson and terrorism charges following the protests, and judges imposed hefty bail terms even though many claimed their innocence. Rights groups have condemned the use of terrorism charges. 'We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order,' according to a statement on Monday from the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations that monitors policing. 'This practice undermines Kenya's criminal justice system and jeopardizes critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.' The Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists on Sunday said it was 'alarmed by the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges targeting innocent youth.' In a statement, the human rights group added: 'What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy.' The government has denied any wrongdoing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution defended its use of terrorism charges, saying that the protests were 'calculated and coordinated acts of violence' and that the office 'remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice.' 'We wish to reassure the public that all charges have been brought strictly based on available evidence,' it added on Monday. Activists like Mwangi and legal experts say the Kenyan government is criminalizing dissent by using charges such as terrorism, arson and money laundering to stoke fear among protesters. Over the past year, CNN has filmed security forces violently breaking up protests on multiple occasions, shooting at unarmed protesters and assaulting bystanders. At least 38 people were killed and 130 injured in another protest earlier this month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. President Ruto previously told police officers on July 9 to shoot 'looters and arsonists' in the leg if they considered them a threat, rather than killing them. His Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen went further a week later by issuing a directive for officers to shoot at protesters who approached police stations. The former lecturer of law attempted to walk back the comments after public outcry but did not rescind the directive. On Monday, Murkomen called out those challenging the terror charges, asking: 'If you invade a police station and burn it and steal guns… burn courts… and people's businesses, what is that crime if it is not terrorism?' Mwangi told CNN that Ruto and his government were 'weaponizing the DCI to criminalize dissent, which is allowed by the constitution – but he's going to fail.' 'They want to scare youth (away) from protesting because it will be hard to get work, or even a visa,' he said. 'And if the kids are not scared, they want to scare their parents.'
CNN
6 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya's government of criminalizing dissent
One of Kenya's most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country. Boniface Mwangi was arrested over the weekend 'in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities' during the June 25 protests, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on social media on Sunday, drawing immediate outrage among activists. When the 42-year-old award-winning photographer appeared in court on Monday, the terrorism charges had been downgraded to two counts of 'possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate' because of teargas canisters and blank rounds allegedly found at his office. His arrest came as activists say more than 100 protesters have been charged with terror-related offenses, arson and money laundering in the past month over demonstrations sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration – especially among the youth whose support propelled him into power. 'I'm known as a human rights defender, not a terrorist,' Mwangi told CNN on Monday evening after he was released on bail. 'I'm so fired up; I'm not scared at all. The only thing that can stop me is a bullet in my head, but as long as I'm alive I'll keep organizing for regime change. The government we have in power is not working for the people.' Mwangi, who has been critical of successive Kenyan governments and describes himself as 'the people's watchman,' said he was arrested at home by plainclothes policemen on Saturday and taken to his office in the capital Nairobi. He claimed policemen ransacked the office, confiscating devices and finding two unused teargas canisters and one blank round. Protesters often display the canisters or rounds during demonstrations to journalists as evidence of police brutality and use of excessive force. Video on social media showed Mwangi shout 'Ruto Must Go!' as he was driven away from his office on Saturday. Mwangi denied the charges; a judge freed him on a personal bond and set a hearing date for August 21. Protests erupted in the country in June after several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher while in police custody. During the protests, claims swirled among frustrated demonstrators on social media that government-affiliated politicians had hired people to attack peaceful protesters and damage property to discredit the demonstrations. The Law Society of Kenya, which advises and assists the legal profession, government and public, said the protests had been 'infiltrated by armed, hired goons' in a scathing statement on Monday. 'We strongly condemn this malicious, deliberate re-emergence of radicalized militia sponsored by the political class.' During recent protests, CNN saw groups of men armed with batons marching alongside police and beating up civilians in Nairobi while uniformed officers watched. Businesses were burnt in other parts of the country and a police station attacked. CNN has asked the Kenyan government and police for comment, but has not heard back. President Ruto accused some politicians of misleading youth to riot on Sunday and warned of consequences: 'The police are trained to deal with criminals. They're not trained in parenting. So, if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?' The right to protest is protected under Kenya's constitution but authorities have characterized recent demonstrations as chaotic looting sprees. Kenyan prosecutors slapped several youths with arson and terrorism charges following the protests, and judges imposed hefty bail terms even though many claimed their innocence. Rights groups have condemned the use of terrorism charges. 'We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order,' according to a statement on Monday from the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations that monitors policing. 'This practice undermines Kenya's criminal justice system and jeopardizes critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.' The Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists on Sunday said it was 'alarmed by the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges targeting innocent youth.' In a statement, the human rights group added: 'What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy.' The government has denied any wrongdoing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution defended its use of terrorism charges, saying that the protests were 'calculated and coordinated acts of violence' and that the office 'remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice.' 'We wish to reassure the public that all charges have been brought strictly based on available evidence,' it added on Monday. Activists like Mwangi and legal experts say the Kenyan government is criminalizing dissent by using charges such as terrorism, arson and money laundering to stoke fear among protesters. Over the past year, CNN has filmed security forces violently breaking up protests on multiple occasions, shooting at unarmed protesters and assaulting bystanders. At least 38 people were killed and 130 injured in another protest earlier this month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. President Ruto previously told police officers on July 9 to shoot 'looters and arsonists' in the leg if they considered them a threat, rather than killing them. His Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen went further a week later by issuing a directive for officers to shoot at protesters who approached police stations. The former lecturer of law attempted to walk back the comments after public outcry but did not rescind the directive. On Monday, Murkomen called out those challenging the terror charges, asking: 'If you invade a police station and burn it and steal guns… burn courts… and people's businesses, what is that crime if it is not terrorism?' Mwangi told CNN that Ruto and his government were 'weaponizing the DCI to criminalize dissent, which is allowed by the constitution – but he's going to fail.' 'They want to scare youth (away) from protesting because it will be hard to get work, or even a visa,' he said. 'And if the kids are not scared, they want to scare their parents.'
The South African
14 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.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Kenyan rights activist freed on bail, charged with unlawful possession of ammunition
Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, who has played a prominent role in antigovernment protests, was freed on bail on Monday after being charged with possession of teargas canisters and a rifle round found in his home. Kenyan activists have been on edge over the arrests of government critics since a political blogger died in custody in June, triggering weeks of violent demonstrations in which about 50 people were killed. Police had arrested Mwangi, 42, on Saturday and said they had recovered unused teargas canisters, a '7.62mm blank round', two mobile phones, a laptop and notebooks. Mwangi was 'found in possession of noxious substances, to wit three teargas canisters, without lawful authority', according to a charge sheet seen by Reuters. He was also accused of illegal possession of a single round of blank ammunition. The courtroom was packed with hundreds of activists, some wearing Kenyan flags. 'They have no evidence,' Mwangi told reporters, describing his prosecution as 'a big shame'. His lawyer told Reuters he was grateful to the court for agreeing to release Mwangi on bail. Mwangi, who once ran for parliament on an anti-corruption platform, has earned a reputation for speaking out against human rights violations in Kenya and abroad. He was expelled from neighbouring Tanzania in May, where he had travelled to observe a hearing in a treason case against an opposition figure. Last month hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets to protest against the death in police custody of political blogger Albert Ojwang. Police initially implied Ojwang had died by suicide but later apologised after an autopsy found his injuries pointed to assault as the cause of death. The demonstrations over Ojwang's death reignited protests that had erupted last year over the cost of living and alleged police brutality and corruption.
