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The South African
22-07-2025
- 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.
Al Bawaba
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Eight Kenyans killed, hundreds injured in nationwide protests against President Ruto
ALBAWABA- At least eight people have been killed and more than 400 injured during nationwide protests in Kenya against President William Ruto's government, according to a joint statement issued by the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group. Also Read Trump: Iran's conflict with Israel may reignite soon The protests, which spread across major cities, saw thousands of demonstrators flooding the streets, chanting slogans like 'Ruto must go' and waving tree branches in a symbolic gesture of peaceful resistance. Police clashed with demonstrators in several locations, using tear gas and barricades to prevent crowds from reaching key government sites, including the State House and parliament, as reported by the BBC. Protesters, many of them youth-led, faced off with heavily armed forces behind razor wire fencing. The same fencing encircled parliament after it was stormed and partially set ablaze exactly one year ago. President Ruto, who was away from the capital attending a funeral in Kilifi, called for calm. 'Protests should not be used to destroy peace in Kenya. We don't have another country to go to. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,' he said. His absence from the State House during the height of unrest raised eyebrows as demonstrators threatened to storm the compound. Authorities initially banned live television and radio coverage of the protests. Still, the decision was swiftly overturned by the High Court in Nairobi, affirming media freedom amid growing concerns over transparency and state suppression. Wednesday's protests come against a backdrop of deepening public frustration over economic conditions, alleged police brutality, and growing disillusionment with Ruto's leadership. Among the 400 injured, 83 required specialized treatment, and at least eight sustained gunshot wounds. The casualties also included three police officers. In Nairobi's city center, shuttered businesses and smoke from tear gas painted a grim picture, but protesters remained defiant. Many carried placards bearing the names of those killed during last year's deadly protests, with floral wreaths placed near parliament in tribute. At least eight people have been killed and more than 400 injured during nationwide protests in Kenya against President William Ruto's government, according to a joint statement issued by the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group. The protests, which spread across major cities, saw thousands of demonstrators flooding the streets, chanting slogans like 'Ruto must go' and waving tree branches in a symbolic gesture of peaceful resistance. Police clashed with demonstrators in several locations, using tear gas and barricades to prevent crowds from reaching key government sites including State House and parliament. Protesters, many of them youth-led, faced off with heavily armed forces behind razor wire fencing — the same fencing that encircled parliament after it was stormed and partially set ablaze exactly one year ago. President Ruto, who was away from the capital attending a funeral in Kilifi, called for calm. 'Protests should not be used to destroy peace in Kenya. We don't have another country to go to. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,' he said. His absence from State House during the height of unrest raised eyebrows as demonstrators threatened to storm the compound. Authorities initially banned live television and radio coverage of the protests, but the decision was swiftly overturned by the High Court in Nairobi, affirming media freedom amid growing concerns over transparency and state suppression. Wednesday's protests come against a backdrop of deepening public frustration over economic conditions, alleged police brutality, and growing disillusionment with Ruto's leadership. Among the 400 injured, 83 required specialized treatment and at least eight sustained gunshot wounds. The casualties also included three police officers. In Nairobi's city center, shuttered businesses and smoke from tear gas painted a grim picture, but protesters remained defiant. Many carried placards bearing the names of those killed during last year's deadly protests, with floral wreaths placed near parliament in tribute. A young woman draped in the Kenyan flag held a poster honoring those slain — a stark reminder that, for many Kenyans, the struggle is far from over.
eNCA
03-06-2025
- General
- eNCA
Tanzania faces call to investigate activists' torture claims
DAR ES SALAAM - The international community must pressure Tanzania to investigate police officers accused of sexually torturing Kenyan and Ugandan activists last month, a rights coalition in Kenya said on Tuesday. Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire were detained in Tanzania's business capital Dar es Salaam between 19-23 May when they attempted to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is charged with treason and faces a potential death penalty. They have both detailed torture and sexual abuse by the police officers who detained them. On Tuesday, the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of Kenyan rights organisations, called on "the East African Community and the international community to demand that the government of Tanzania hold accountable the police officers and their commanding officers responsible for the torture, assault, and sexual assault committed against Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire." The group spoke alongside the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) at a press conference in Nairobi. "Torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment are serious crimes under multiple treaties and international law," they said. "The government of Tanzania must arrest and prosecute all officers suspected of responsibility for the human rights violations against Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire and bring them to justice in a fair trial." Irungu Houghton, director of Amnesty International Kenya, said Tanzania was engaged in "a brutal campaign against all forms of dissent" ahead of elections in October. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is running for re-election but her government has banned the main opposition party, Chadema, after it insisted on reforms before taking part.
