NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga is pushing back against growing criticism over his office’s decision to charge several anti-government protesters with terrorism, insisting the move is grounded in the law—not politics.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Ingonga addressed the firestorm sparked by recent charges filed against demonstrators who took to the streets during nationwide protests on June 25 and July 7.
Critics, including human rights groups, opposition leaders, and the Law Society of Kenya, have slammed the terrorism charges as excessive and politically motivated—tools to muzzle dissent in a tense political climate.
“Terrorism is not just about bombs and bullets,” Ingonga said, adding that the charges stem from acts like targeting government installations and widespread destruction during protests. “Destroying government property qualifies as terrorism under Kenyan law.”
Ingonga emphasized that his office operates independently and will not be swayed by political winds.
“The Decision to Charge Guidelines are our North Star. They ensure uniformity, evidence-based prosecution, and people-centered justice,” he said. “We must resist pressure, fear, or favour.”
The controversy escalated last weekend when activist Boniface Mwangi was dramatically arrested and accused by police of “facilitating terror” during the June 25 protests—held to honour victims of deadly anti-tax demonstrations in 2023.
Authorities initially threatened him with terrorism-related charges, including unlawful possession of ammunition.
But when Mwangi appeared in court on Monday, those sweeping allegations had been dialed down. He was instead charged with possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate.
The shift was widely seen as a retreat by the Office of the DPP in response to mounting public outrage and legal pressure.
Still, Ingonga dismissed claims that his office is backtracking or caving in. “If protests are against the Executive and someone is charged with terrorism, it doesn’t mean I’m under political pressure,” he said. “This isn’t new law—it was passed by the same Parliament now criticizing it.”
The broader crackdown has also seen 37 young people charged with terror-related offenses over their participation in the same protests.
They were later granted bail, with each ordered to pay Ksh.50,000 in cash or provide a bond of Ksh.200,000.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga joined the chorus of dissenting voices, warning against the misuse of Kenya’s anti-terrorism laws to stifle legitimate public expression.
The DPP’s statements come at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s justice system, raising key questions: What qualifies as terrorism in the age of civil unrest? And are the courts being used as political tools?
