Kenya rights activist freed on bail, charged with unlawful possession of ammunition
KENYA, JUL 22 – Boniface Mwangi faces politically motivated ammunition charges after protests that left over 100 dead, highlighting a government crackdown on dissent, rights groups say.
- Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested on July 19, 2025, in Nairobi and later released on bail on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition.
- Mwangi's arrest followed nationwide protests in June triggered by police brutality accusations, including a teacher's death in custody, with authorities initially charging him with terrorism and money laundering.
- The terrorism charges were dropped and replaced by lesser counts related to teargas canisters and a blank round allegedly found in Mwangi's office, while critics condemned the government for criminalizing political dissent.
- On Monday, the Police Reforms Working Group expressed serious concerns over the ongoing inappropriate application of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, describing the method of handling public dissent as both hazardous and unconstitutional.
- Mwangi denied terrorism allegations, saying, "I am not a terrorist," and vowed to continue activism, while human rights groups warn the crackdown threatens Kenya's democracy and stifles youth protests.
32 Articles
32 Articles
As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya’s government of criminalizing dissent
One of Kenya’s most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country.


Kenya drops terror charges against activist Boniface Mwangi
Kenya has dropped terrorism charges against activist Boniface Mwangi following widespread criticism on 21 July 2025. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had arrested Mwangi at his Lukenya home on 19 July 2025. Authorities initially accused him of facilitating terrorist acts during the 25 June 2025 protests. Rights groups condemned the charges as politically motivated and legally unfounded. Furthermore, Mwangi denied all allegations,…
Kenya rights activist freed on bail, charged with unlawful possession of ammunition
Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, who has played a prominent role in anti-government protests, was freed on bail on Monday after being charged with possession of teargas canisters and a single rifle round found in his home.
Kenyan rights activist freed on bail, charged with unlawful possession of ammunition
Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, who has played a prominent role in anti-government protests, was freed on bail on Monday after being charged with possession of teargas canisters and a rifle round found in his home.
Kenya: State Drops Terror Charges Against Boniface Mwangi, to Face Ammunition Possession Charges
The state has withdrawn terrorism-related charges against renowned activist Boniface Mwangi who will now face prosecution for possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate.
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