Kenya: Prominent Activist Boniface Mwangi Arrested Over Deadly Protest Charges

Edited By: Tendai Zola

Kenyan police have arrested Boniface Mwangi, one of the country’s most outspoken human rights activists, accusing him of facilitating terrorist acts related to last month’s deadly anti-government protests. Mwangi is expected to be formally charged on Monday, authorities announced.

According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) posted on X , Mwangi was detained at his home in Machakos County on Saturday. During the operation, police reportedly seized two unused tear gas canisters, a blank 7.62mm round, two phones, a laptop, and several notebooks.

The DCI further stated that Mwangi would face additional charges for unlawful possession of ammunition. As of now, no public comment has been made by the activist or his legal team.

The arrest comes in the aftermath of widespread unrest that erupted following the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. That incident reignited nationwide protests against soaring living costs, police brutality, and systemic corruption.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 19 protesters were killed during the initial protests on June 25, with an additional 31 deaths reported when demonstrations resumed on July 7.

The movement has been largely youth-led, with organizers relying on social media to mobilize. Many protesters are young adults struggling with unemployment, driven by frustration with government inaction and abuses.

Mwangi is a well-known anti-corruption figure who previously ran for parliament and has long criticized state violence. Earlier this year, in May, he was arrested and deported from Tanzania after attempting to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. He later accused Tanzanian security forces of sexual assault during his detention—a case he officially brought before the East African Court of Justice just this Friday.

Mwangi’s arrest now raises serious concerns about the shrinking civic space in Kenya and the criminalization of dissent at a time of mounting public discontent.