Trending 
Kenyan authorities have arrested prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, accusing him of involvement in “terrorist acts” connected to last month’s deadly anti-government protests. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday, saying Mwangi would be arraigned on Monday.
Mwangi was taken into custody on Saturday at his home in Machakos County. According to the DCI, detectives seized two unused tear gas canisters, a 7.62mm blank round, two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks during the operation.
In addition to terrorism-related charges, Mwangi is also facing allegations of unlawful possession of ammunition, the DCI stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). A spokesperson for Mwangi could not immediately be reached for comment.
Mwangi’s arrest follows weeks of unrest across Kenya sparked by the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The incident reignited nationwide protests over the high cost of living, alleged police brutality, and government corruption. The largely youth-led movement has mobilised thousands via social media platforms.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, a state-funded watchdog, reported that 19 people were killed during the June 25 protests cited in the DCI statement. Another 31 died in a fresh wave of demonstrations on July 7.
Boniface Mwangi, known for his outspoken activism and previous run for parliament on an anti-corruption ticket, has long been a thorn in the side of political elites. In May, he was detained and deported from Tanzania while attending a court hearing in support of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Mwangi later alleged that he was sexually assaulted by Tanzanian security officers during his detention — a claim he has since brought before the East African Court of Justice.
His arrest has raised alarm among rights groups, with many viewing it as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in the wake of escalating unrest.
