Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi is set to appear in court as he faces serious charges of "facilitation of terrorist acts" linked to last month's anti-government protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals. Authorities reportedly seized a range of items from Mwangi's home and office, including phones, laptops, tear gas canisters, and a blank firearm round.
His arrest has ignited fierce criticism from human rights advocates, who view it as a strategy to silence opposition voices in a country grappling with civil unrest. Mwangi has publicly denied the allegations, insisting, "I am not a terrorist," as he prepares for legal proceedings that may deepen the existing political crisis.
According to the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the charges include "offences related to facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition." The allegations stem from violent protests on June 25, where demonstrators clashed with police, leading to significant casualties and property damage, as reported by the state-affiliated Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has labeled the protests as "terrorism disguised as dissent," condemning the demonstrations as unconstitutional attempts to unseat the current government. Subsequent unrest has resulted in at least 38 more deaths, and accusations have surfaced regarding the use of excessive force by police.
A coalition of 37 human rights organizations issued a statement condemning Mwangi's arrest as an "unjustified" escalation in a broader crackdown that targets young activists with fabricated terrorism charges. They argue that the crackdown represents a serious threat to Kenya's democratic framework, highlighting the persecution of youth advocating for accountability.
James Orengo, a long-standing politician and the governor of Siaya County, criticized the charges against Mwangi, deeming it absurd to label politically engaged youths as terrorists. Mwangi is no stranger to arrests; he was previously detained in Tanzania alongside Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire while attending a legal trial. They later reported experiencing abduction and torture during their detention.
The rising toll of violence and the state's aggressive stance against dissent have prompted increased scrutiny over law enforcement practices, raising concerns over the future of activism and accountability in Kenya's political landscape.
