Trending 
Kenyan human rights campaigner Boniface Mwangi has been charged with facilitating acts of terrorism in connection with last month’s anti-government demonstrations that left at least 19 people dead.
The allegations emerged on Sunday, a day after Mwangi was arrested at his home near Nairobi.
He is currently being held at a police station in the capital and is expected to appear in court on Monday, according to a statement from Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) posted on the social media platform X on Sunday, July 20.
Mwangi has firmly denied the accusations. In a message circulated by his supporters, he said, “I am not a terrorist.”
His arrest has sparked widespread outrage online, with the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trending across Kenyan social media.
A search warrant shared by an associate of Mwangi claims he financed individuals described as “goons” to incite violence during the June 25 demonstrations.
Police reportedly seized mobile phones, a laptop, notebooks, external hard drives, two other computers, two unused tear gas canisters, and a blank firearm cartridge from his home and office.
The protests on June 25 were aimed at President William Ruto’s administration and coincided with the anniversary of a similar protest in 2023, held to honour victims of police brutality.
Civil society groups have accused security forces of excessive violence and illegal detentions during both years’ demonstrations.
Human rights organisations report that over 100 people have been killed since the nationwide protests began last year, accusing the government of cracking down on dissent through police force and alleged abductions.
