Boniface Mwangi, a fearless voice in Kenya’s civil society, now finds himself in the government’s crosshairs—this time under the weight of terrorism charges.
On Saturday, July 20, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stormed Mwangi’s Lukenya home in Machakos County and arrested him over his alleged role in organizing the June 25 GenZ protests.
Authorities claim Mwangi coordinated and financed violent demonstrations that left at least 50 people dead. But activists say this is not justice—it’s political persecution.
And disturbingly, it comes just a day after Mwangi sued the Tanzanian government for torture and human rights violations.
Boniface Mwangi To Face Terror Charges Amid Rising State Suppression
The Kenyan government under President William Ruto is doubling down on its crackdown against Gen Z protest leaders. Mwangi’s arrest is the latest and most high-profile example of this growing pattern.
Authorities accuse him of violating the Prevention of Terrorism Act by allegedly facilitating the logistics, finances, and communication behind the June 25 protests.
These protests, sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024, spread rapidly across Nairobi and other major towns, with thousands of young Kenyans hitting the streets in resistance. Detectives say they recovered critical evidence from Mwangi’s residence and office, including:
- Nine external hard drives
- Two laptops
- Cheque books, company seals, and stamps
- A tear gas canister
- A 7.62mm blank round
Mwangi is currently detained at Pangani Police Station and is expected to appear in court on Monday, July 21. Authorities allege that the seized items point to a “coordinated attempt to escalate unrest,” framing the protest as a planned terror campaign.
But human rights defenders and civil society organizations are calling the charges an abuse of power. Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa, confirmed Mwangi’s arrest and raised concern over the nature of the accusations.
“Boniface Mwangi has been arrested at his home. Together with his lawyers, we are following up to understand the charges he is facing,” he said.
Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, was present during the arrest. In an emotional post on social media, she wrote: “They’ve taken his gadgets and said they’re taking him to DCI Headquarters. I can’t breathe.” She added that the arresting officers mentioned both terrorism and arson.
Arrest Coincides with Legal Case Against Tanzanian Government
What makes Mwangi’s arrest even more suspicious is the timing. Just one day before, on Friday, July 18, he and Ugandan journalist-activist Agather Atuhaire filed a case at the East African Court of Justice.
They sued the Tanzanian government for what they described as “abduction, sexual assault, and torture” during a recent visit to Tanzania. Both are demanding at least Ksh129 million each in compensation and a public apology.
According to their legal filing, the abuse occurred over three days and was carried out by individuals believed to be Tanzanian security agents. The pair had gone public with their story a month earlier, revealing harrowing details of how they were kidnapped, violated, and interrogated while blindfolded and handcuffed.
Mwangi’s arrest came barely 24 hours after this legal offensive. Activists believe this isn’t a coincidence but rather a coordinated move to silence him and deflect attention from Tanzania’s alleged crimes.
For many observers, it signals that Mwangi is being punished not just for his activism in Kenya but also for daring to challenge another East African government.
“This reeks of transnational repression,” said a regional human rights lawyer who requested anonymity. “The arrest is not about June 25. It’s about silencing him now that he’s exposed the underbelly of East Africa’s security regimes.”
From Activist to Enemy of the State
Boniface Mwangi has long been a thorn in the side of corrupt and authoritarian leaders in East Africa. His activism spans over a decade—exposing extrajudicial killings, leading mass protests, and empowering youth movements. But never before has he been slapped with terrorism charges.
Kenya’s use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act in this context is deeply alarming. The law, enacted to fight real threats like Al-Shabaab, is now being used to criminalize protest.
This trend first emerged after the June 25 protests, when multiple GenZ demonstrators were abducted, held incommunicado, and later charged with terror-related offenses. Critics say the government is weaponizing the law to dismantle youth-led dissent.
“This is not counterterrorism—it’s counter-activism,” said one human rights defender. “The government wants to make an example of Mwangi. If they can do this to him, imagine what they can do to an unknown protester.”
Kenya’s security agencies have become increasingly aggressive since the start of the GenZ protests. Protesters have reported kidnappings, torture, illegal surveillance, and disappearances. Families of slain demonstrators are still waiting for justice, while the state continues to arrest those who speak out.
For Mwangi, this isn’t the first time he’s faced the wrath of the state—but the stakes have never been higher. If the court proceeds with the terrorism charges, he could face life imprisonment.
And if the charges stick, it would mean the state has succeeded in redefining activism as a national security threat.
