By K47 Digital News | Published July 21, 2025
Kenyan human rights activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi was officially charged at the Kahawa Law Courts on Monday, July 21, 2025, with being in possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate, following a dramatic weekend arrest by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
This development comes after initial claims by the DCI that Mwangi was being held over the facilitation of terrorist activities during the anti-government protests held on June 25, 2025—allegations that have now been quietly dropped.
What the Charge Sheet Reveals
A copy of the official charge sheet, dated July 21, 2025, and stamped by the Chief Magistrate at Kahawa Law Courts, outlines the official charge as:
“Being in possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate contrary to section 26(1)(c) as read with section 26(2)(b) of the Firearms Act Cap 114 Laws of Kenya.”
The document further reveals that on July 19, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub, located on Rose Avenue in Nairobi, Mwangi was allegedly found in possession of two noxious substances and a single 7.62mm blank round of ammunition without lawful authority.
Mwangi, aged 41, was apprehended without a warrant, according to the charge sheet, and was officially remanded in custody with no bail granted as of the time of reporting. The listed witnesses in the case include CI Keith Robert, a ballistics expert, and other individuals yet to be named.
He is expected to continue appearing before the Kahawa Law Court as the case progresses.
Arrest Over Terror Charges Sparks Uproar
Mwangi was arrested on Saturday, July 19, at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, and taken into police custody under a cloud of suspicion stemming from the violent demonstrations held in June.
In an official statement shared on their verified social media platforms, the DCI had earlier stated:
“BONIFACE MWANGI ARRESTED OVER TERROR FACILITATION.
Boniface Mwangi was arrested yesterday, July 19, 2025, by detectives at his residence in Lukenya in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests. During the arrest, detectives recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks.”
The statement caused a nationwide stir, with Kenyans online, human rights organizations, and political leaders raising serious concerns over the allegations and the apparent attempt to criminalize dissent.
Mwangi, who has built a reputation as a staunch government critic, was said to have been cooperative during the arrest, even allowing police to accompany him to his office, Mageuzi Hub, where an extensive search was conducted.
According to the DCI, the search yielded the following items:
- Nine assorted external hard drives
- Two laptops
- Company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd
- A company stamp
- Six cheque books
- Copies of stamp duty documents
- Two unused tear gas canisters
- One 7.62mm blank round
Activist Remains in Custody as Terror Charges Quietly Disappear
Despite the DCI’s initial terror-related claims, the official charge sheet filed in court contains no reference to terrorism. Instead, the only charge being pursued is the unlawful possession of ammunition.
Notably, the inclusion of tear gas canisters in the list of recovered items has not led to any separate charge related to their possession, even though these are typically restricted for use by law enforcement.
Observers have questioned whether the presence of such items is enough to justify a terrorism probe, or whether the arrest was an overreach intended to intimidate the activist.
Mwangi remains in custody at Pangani Police Station, and his next court appearance is scheduled later this week as legal teams prepare arguments for bond or bail applications.
Legal Experts, Activists Cry Foul Over “Weaponized Justice”
The turn of events has drawn harsh criticism from legal analysts and human rights organizations.
Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) issued a strongly-worded statement demanding the immediate release of Mwangi, describing the charges as “frivolous and politically motivated.”
“We are witnessing the use of state institutions to silence dissent and opposition,” the statement read. “It is concerning that someone who has publicly supported peaceful protest and civic education is now being labeled a security threat.”
Prominent lawyer and constitutional expert Waikwa Wanyoike tweeted:
“If Boniface Mwangi can be charged for possessing a single blank round, then any Kenyan with a spent cartridge at home is potentially a criminal. This is not law enforcement—it’s lawfare.”
Several civil society groups have vowed to file a joint petition at the High Court challenging what they term the abuse of prosecutorial discretion.
Public Reactions: #FreeBoniface Trends Nationwide
Following the DCI’s announcement and subsequent court proceedings, the hashtag #FreeBoniface began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of Kenyans rallying behind the activist.
Users flooded social media with comments such as:
- “First it was terrorism, now it’s one bullet? What next—pens as weapons of mass destruction?”
- “Our tax money is being used to persecute patriots.”
- “He’s being punished for speaking truth to power.”
Others shared videos and past interviews of Mwangi advocating for peaceful reforms, underscoring what they described as a gross mischaracterization of his work.
Government Remains Silent
As of the time of publishing, no official comment had been issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, or Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga regarding the discrepancy between the arrest announcement and the official charge.
Analysts say the government’s silence is telling and may indicate internal disagreements over how the case has been handled.
Who Is Boniface Mwangi?
Boniface Mwangi is a multi-award-winning photojournalist, civil rights campaigner, and founder of Pawa254 and Brave Media. He has been internationally recognized for his work in exposing corruption and advocating for transparency in governance.
In 2017, he ran for the Starehe Parliamentary seat but lost. He has since remained one of the most vocal critics of government excesses, police brutality, and extrajudicial killings.
What’s Next for Boniface Mwangi?
The dropping of terrorism charges is seen as a partial victory by Mwangi’s legal team. However, the ammunition charge—though less severe—could still carry significant legal consequences if not successfully challenged.
His lawyers have indicated they will challenge the legality of the search and seizure operations conducted both at his home and office, raising concerns over procedural violations and privacy breaches.
They are also expected to file a formal bail application in the coming days.
Conclusion
The arrest and charging of Boniface Mwangi appear to mark a dangerous turn in Kenya’s political climate, where activism and dissent are increasingly being met with aggressive state response.
While the dropping of the terrorism facilitation charge offers a temporary reprieve, the decision to proceed with a charge over a single blank round of ammunition raises serious questions about prosecutorial priorities and justice in Kenya.
As the court process unfolds, Kenyans and international observers alike will be watching closely, not just to see what happens to Boniface Mwangi, but to gauge the state of civil liberties and human rights in the country as the 2027 general elections approach.
K47 Digital News will continue providing live updates on this developing story. Stay tuned for court proceedings, legal analysis, and more reactions.
