Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi arrested on terror charges after protests. Rights groups warn of democratic backslide and state crackdown.
NAIROBI, Kenya – July 21, 2025 – Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi is facing accusations of “facilitation of terrorist acts” following his arrest on Saturday. The charges stem from anti-government protests held on June 25, which resulted in at least 19 deaths.
Mwangi was apprehended at his Lukenya home, southeast of Nairobi, and taken to Pangani Police Station. He is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, July 21. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed his arrest via X (formerly Twitter).
Denies Charges: “I Am Not a Terrorist”
In a social media post shared by supporters, Mwangi denied the accusations: “I am not a terrorist.” His arrest has triggered widespread condemnation, with the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trending across platforms.
A search warrant, which was circulated by Mwangi’s allies, alleged that the activist paid “goons” to incite unrest during the protest. Authorities reportedly seized two phones, a laptop, several notebooks, hard drives, two additional computers, unused teargas canisters, and a blank firearm cartridge from his residence and office at Mageuzi Hub.
Civil Society Responds: “Assault on Democracy”
A coalition of Pan-African human rights organizations has condemned the arrest and labeled the government’s actions as a “full-scale assault on Kenya’s democracy.”
“This is no longer about isolated incidents. It’s now a systemic use of anti-terror laws to silence dissent,” read a joint statement from the coalition.
The coalition noted that more than 150 youth have been charged since the protests began. Many face cash bail ranging between KSh 30,000 and KSh 300,000. In Naivasha, 20 young people are reportedly detained without access to legal representation.
Further reports indicate minors with gunshot wounds are being held in police custody, while some students were arrested on their way home from school.
Mounting Pressure on Ruto Administration
President William Ruto has come under increasing criticism for what rights groups describe as police brutality, enforced disappearances, and abductions. The use of alleged “shoot-to-kill” and “shoot-to-maim” directives—attributed to senior government officials—has drawn sharp rebuke.
The coalition also expressed concern about cross-border repression in the region. It cited:
A Regional Democratic Emergency
“This is not just a Kenyan crisis,” warned the coalition. “What happens in Kenya reverberates throughout Africa. When one democracy falls, we all become vulnerable.”
As Mwangi awaits arraignment, international human rights groups are calling on the Kenyan judiciary to ensure due process and for the government to halt what they describe as escalating repression.
