Kenyan pro-democracy activist Boniface Mwangi appeared in court on Monday, where he was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, a move critics view as an attempt to stifle dissent in the wake of nationwide anti-government protests.
Mwangi was swiftly released on bond after the hearing, which centered on allegations that he possessed three canisters of tear gas without authorization. His lawyer, Njanja Maina, rejected the claims outright, stating on Sunday that “Mwangi never possessed such items.”
Though opposition figures and supporters had braced for more severe terrorism-related charges, the court settled on the lesser firearms offense. Still, many view the charge as politically motivated.
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Mwangi’s arrest followed a dramatic raid at his residence on Friday, AP reported. According to his wife, Njeri, officers seized electronic devices while referencing “terrorism and arson.” In a post on X, she revealed that the officers “raided their home and took the activist and his electronic gadgets while ‘talking of terrorism and arson.’” His office was also searched.
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Police later alleged Mwangi was connected to the coordination of violent acts during the recent protests. But human rights advocates have condemned the case.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission called the charges a “trumped-up accusation,” adding, “This pattern of inventing charges to harass and silence activists like Mwangi erodes public confidence in the independence” of the justice system.
Amnesty International also raised alarm, saying in a Monday statement that the case against Mwangi “appears to be part of a broader effort to intimidate lawful dissent and those committed to upholding the rule of law.”
“We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order in more than 100 other cases,” Amnesty said. “This practice undermines Kenya’s criminal justice system and jeopardizes critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.”
Known for his bold activism, Mwangi describes himself as “The People’s Watchman” to his two million followers on X. Over the years, he has consistently challenged the excesses of successive Kenyan governments.
The demonstrations rocking President William Ruto’s administration are fueled by growing frustration with alleged corruption, reckless public spending, and broken campaign promises. Ruto, who took office in 2022, has faced backlash since introducing unpopular tax reforms in mid-2024.
The protests have led to a sweeping government response. At least 500 individuals have been charged in connection with unrest in June and July, during which at least 47 people lost their lives.
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