The human rights and political landscape in Kenya has been jolted by the dramatic arrest of prominent activist Boniface Mwangi. On Saturday, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) apprehended Mwangi at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, in a move that has immediately raised alarm among civil society and legal circles.
Following his initial arrest, police transported Mwangi to his office in Kilimani, where they proceeded to conduct a thorough search of the premises. According to his wife, Njeri Mwangi, detectives cited grave allegations of "terrorism and arson" as the basis for his detention. This is a significant escalation in the state's response to recent widespread unrest.
In an official update issued on Sunday morning, the DCI confirmed Mwangi’s arrest, stating that he is being held at Pangani Police Station. The police have alleged that Mwangi was arrested for "facilitating terror during the June 25 protests" that swept across the country. These nationwide demonstrations, largely led by Gen-Z, saw thousands take to the streets to voice profound discontent over government policies, economic hardship, police brutality, and were notably fueled by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. The protests themselves were marked by clashes, tear gas, and serious injuries, prompting international concern.
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The DCI further claimed that during the arrest and subsequent search of Mwangi’s premises, they recovered a significant cache of items, including two mobile phones, a laptop, several notebooks, nine assorted external hard drives, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six cheque books, copies of stamp duty documents, and, notably, two unused tear gas canisters and one 7.62mm blank round. These items, as alleged by the police, form the basis of the serious charges.
Mwangi is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, where he is set to face charges related to the "facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition."
However, the precise whereabouts of the activist remain shrouded in conflicting information, causing distress among his family and acquaintances. Njeri Mwangi, who was headed to Pangani police station on Sunday morning to confirm her husband's presence and state, expressed her uncertainty. Similarly, Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa, conveyed the confusion, stating, "We are not sure where he is. Police are giving conflicting information. Pangani are saying he's been moved out. DCI are saying he's at Pangani." Khalid, who last saw Mwangi on Saturday night, confirmed that the activist was "well and in high spirits" at the time.
