Nairobi – Prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has been formally charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and tear gas canisters, following his Saturday evening arrest at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County.
The arrest and charges have sparked renewed debate over the government’s response to civic protests and the rights of activists in Kenya.
Arrest Tied to June 25 Anti-Tax Protests
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mwangi was arrested for allegedly “facilitating terror” during the June 25 nationwide demonstrations that honoured victims of deadly protests against the now-shelved Finance Bill 2024.
Authorities said they searched his Mageuzi Hub office in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area, where they allegedly found three tear gas canisters and a blank round of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, claiming this was evidence of Mwangi’s “intention to cause public disorder and fear.”
Court Hearing: No Terrorism Charges Filed
Despite the DCI’s initial statements, no terrorism-related charges were presented when Mwangi appeared at the Kahawa Law Courts on Monday. Instead, he faced two counts under the Firearms Act for possessing ammunition and noxious substances without lawful authority.
“On 19th July, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub, in Nairobi County… you were found in possession of three Teargas canisters… and one round of 7.62 x 51mm blank ammunition without lawful authority,” read the charge sheet.
Mwangi pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Court Ruling and Bail Conditions
Principal Magistrate Gedion Kiage ordered Mwangi’s release on a Ksh. 1 million personal bond, pending the case’s next mention. The magistrate did not issue a travel ban or remand order.
Mwangi’s legal team and civil rights advocates argue that the charges are politically motivated and form part of a broader government crackdown on dissent.
Public Reaction and Civil Society Response
Mwangi’s arrest has reignited concern among activists and civil society organizations over the criminalization of protest and the use of security laws to intimidate government critics.
📖 Related: Read our report on Kenya’s protest crackdown
