Activist Boniface Mwangi Charged with Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Terrorism Allegations Dropped

Activist Boniface Mwangi, who had been accused of facilitating terrorist activities during the June 25 anti-government protests, has been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges were brought after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped terrorism-related allegations against Mwangi. Mwangi pleaded not guilty and was released on a personal bond of Sh1 million. The case against Mwangi raises concerns about the misuse of anti-terror laws to crackdown on protesters.

Key Takeaways:

• Boniface Mwangi was arrested on July 19 and charged with two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of noxious substances without lawful authority.
• The charges were brought after the DPP dropped terrorism-related allegations against Mwangi, citing insufficient evidence.
• Mwangi's lawyer described the charges as "ridiculous" and "a clear case of the government trying to silence dissent".
• The case has sparked concerns about the misuse of anti-terror laws to crackdown on protesters and stifle political dissent.
• Siaya Governor James Orengo and former Chief Justice David Maraga have spoken out against the charges, with Orengo describing them as "ridiculous" and Maraga accusing the government of weaponizing the justice system to intimidate and silence dissent.

Statistics:

• Mwangi was released on a personal bond of Sh1 million.
• The charges against Mwangi were brought under the Firearms Act, Cap 114, Laws of Kenya.
• The state dropped terrorism-related allegations against Mwangi and instead proceeded with lesser charges.
• Nine external hard drives, two laptops, and multiple documents were recovered during a search at Mwangi's office.

Sources:

• Capital FM (2025) - "Activist Boniface Mwangi Charged after Terror Charges Dropped"
• AllAfrica.com (2025) - "Kenya: Charges Dropped Against Activist Boniface Mwangi"