Kenyan Human Rights Activist Boniface Mwangi Arrested Over Alleged Terror Links to Anti-Government Protests

Kenyan Human Rights Activist Boniface Mwangi Arrested Over Alleged Terror Links to Anti-Government Protests

[NAIROBI, July 20, 2025] — Kenyan police have arrested prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi on suspicion of aiding “terrorist activities” linked to last month’s deadly anti-government protests. Authorities confirmed that Mwangi will be presented in court on Monday.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Mwangi was detained Saturday from his home in Machakos County. During the operation, police reportedly seized two unused tear gas canisters, one 7.62mm blank round, two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks.

In addition to terrorism-related accusations, Mwangi is also being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, the DCI stated.

There was no immediate comment from Mwangi or his representatives.

The arrest comes in the wake of nationwide unrest sparked by the death of political blogger Albert Ozwang while in police custody last month. Protests erupted across the country amid public anger over rising living costs, police brutality, and corruption.

According to the government-backed Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 19 people were killed during the June 25 demonstrations, a figure referenced in the DCI’s statement on Mwangi’s arrest. Another 31 people reportedly died during renewed protests on July 7, largely driven by unemployed youth mobilized through social media platforms.

Mwangi is a well-known social justice campaigner who previously ran for parliament on an anti-corruption platform.

In May, he traveled to neighboring Tanzania to observe the sedition trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. However, he was arrested and deported by Tanzanian authorities. Mwangi later alleged that during his detention, he was subjected to sexual harassment by members of the Tanzanian security forces.

On Friday, he filed a lawsuit against Tanzania at the East African Court of Justice over the alleged abuse.