Prominent Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has been released on a Sh1 million bond after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition. Mwangi, a former photojournalist, was arrested on Saturday and accused of possessing unused tear gas canisters, a “7.62mm blank round,” two mobile phones, a laptop, and notebooks.
The courtroom was packed with hundreds of activists, some wearing Kenyan flags. “They have no evidence,” Mwangi told reporters, describing his prosecution as “a big shame”. His lawyer expressed gratitude to the court for agreeing to release Mwangi on bail.
Mwangi’s arrest was met with widespread condemnation, with the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trending online. Thirty-seven rights organizations and dozens of activists issued a joint statement criticizing Mwangi’s arrest on “unjustified terrorism allegations,” calling it an abuse of the justice system to crush opposition. “What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya’s democracy,” the groups said.
The activist’s lawyer argued that the charges were politically motivated, noting Mwangi’s outspoken criticism of the government and involvement in recent protests. Mwangi had initially been arrested on accusations of “facilitating terror” during the June 25 anti-tax protests, but these charges were later dropped.
Mwangi’s case has sparked concerns about police brutality and government crackdowns on dissent in Kenya. The country has witnessed mass anti-government protests since last year, first against tax increases and later demanding President William Ruto’s resignation. Rights groups say over 100 people have been killed in the protests, which have been harshly suppressed.
In a statement, the Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned Mwangi’s arrest, saying it represents a wider trend of weaponizing the justice system against protesters and human rights defenders. “President William Ruto’s regime must end its alarming tactic of slapping activists and protesters, who are resisting authoritarianism, with trumped-up terrorism-related charges,” the commission said.
Mwangi’s release on bond was welcomed by his supporters, who have been vocal about police brutality and government accountability. The case will be mentioned again on August 19, 2025.