NAIROBI, Kenya – Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was on Monday released on a Ksh1 million personal bond after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, bringing to an end a tense weekend following his arrest in Lukenya, Machakos County.
Mwangi was arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts where he pleaded not guilty to two counts related to possession of ammunition and noxious substances without lawful authority.
According to the charge sheet, Mwangi was allegedly found with three tear gas canisters and one blank 7.62x51mm round at his Mageuzi Hub office in Nairobi on July 19.
Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage ordered his release on a personal bond, with no cash bail required. The case will be mentioned on August 19, 2025.
No Terror Charges Filed
While Mwangi had initially been arrested on accusations of “facilitating terror” during the June 25 anti-tax protests, no terrorism-related charges were brought against him in court.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had claimed he was in possession of items intended to incite public disorder.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped the more serious terrorism and money laundering accusations, opting to charge Mwangi under Kenya’s Firearms Act.
The charges read in court stated that Mwangi was found in possession of:
- Three tear gas canisters without lawful authority.
- One round of blank ammunition without a valid firearm certificate.
Supporters and Legal Team React
Mwangi’s legal team welcomed the decision to release him on bond and condemned what they termed “politically motivated” charges.
Civil society groups also expressed concern over what they called an alarming trend of state harassment targeting activists and protest organizers.
Speaking outside court, Mwangi’s lawyers reiterated that the items allegedly found in his possession were planted and that he would fight the charges in court.
