A wave of outrage and solidarity swept across the country following the arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi over claims of facilitating terrorist activities during the June 25 protests.
The arrest sparked widespread criticism from leaders, human rights groups, and fellow activists who argued that Mwangi is being targeted for speaking out against government wrongdoing.
Kitutu Chache MP Anthony Kibagendi is among the leaders who condemned Mwangi's arrest, saying the arrest is a threat to democracy.
"We stand in unwavering solidarity with Boniface Mwangi, a courageous voice for justice and accountability in our nation. The continued harassment of human rights defenders and outspoken political critics is not only unacceptable - it is a direct assault on the democratic values we claim to uphold.
"We call on the government to immediately cease its intimidation tactics and respect the fundamental rights of all citizens to speak truth to power. Silencing dissent will never solve the challenges we face; we demand justice, transparency, and respect for human rights," he said.
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Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also offered his support, saying his legal team had already taken up Mwangi’s case.
"I also strongly condemn the arrest of civil rights activist Boniface Mwangi, a bold and fearless advocate for truth and justice. I have directed our legal team to do everything they can to ensure his release at the earliest time possible," he noted.
On the other hand, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga suggested that Mwangi is being punished for fighting for justice, not for committing any crime.
"Even Allah knows who the terrorists and fascists in the country are: collective dictatorship of the factions of the elite. Boniface Mwangi is a freedom fighter, and we salute his courage," he remarked.
Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, who was arrested alongside Mwangi in Tanzania earlier in the year, said the charges were meant to silence him.
"Our comrade Boniface Mwangi has been trying to recover from the ordeal he and I suffered at the hands of Samia Suluhu and her goons in Tanzania two months ago. The rogue regime still came after him at his home, 60km outside Nairobi, trying to relax and spend quiet time with his family.
"[They] illegally ransacked his house, drove him to his office in Nairobi flaunting a questionable search warrant for the office, and later placed him under arrest for very ridiculous charges! It is frustrating how our so called security agencies protect the actual criminals and go after those who have simply pointed out their crimes," she stated.
Back home, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) issued a statement, describing Mwangi as a patriot and not a terrorist.
"We know who is not a terrorist - Boniface Mwangi and all Kenyans who have been demanding good governance. And we know who the real terrorist is - a regime that targets, persecutes, and kills its own people simply for exercising their constitutional right to protest," the organization said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, a respected lawyer and veteran politician, questioned the basis of the charges.
"By stretch of any tortured legal definition and factual foundation, it's ridiculous to charge Boniface Mwangi and our children who have demonstrated a high level of political consciousness with terrorism. Protected speech and political action should never be criminalized," he posed.
Further, Lawyer Willis Otieno said the government was misusing its powers and turning protesters into criminals.
"We know who the real terrorist isn't. It’s not Boniface Mwangi. It’s not the children in the streets; it’s not the unemployed youth demanding dignity; it’s not the Kenyans shouting for justice and accountability.
"The real terrorist is the regime that sends armed police to silence its citizens; the one that shoots first, lies later, and uses anti-terror laws to crush dissent; the one that hides stolen billions, then spills innocent blood when questioned. A government that kills for criticism, jails for protest, and brands truth-tellers as criminals. You don’t protect a nation by terrorizing its soul," he argued.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid said charging protest leaders with terrorism will not stop the fight for change.
"Arresting and charging us with terror related offenses will not deter us from demanding for change in this country.
"Boniface Mwangi is not a terrorist. The real terrorists who terrorise Kenyans are known - they kill Kenyans in police cells, they escort goons during protests to loot and vandalize, they shoot and kill innocent Kenyans during protests," he said.
In addition, activist Wanjira Wanjiru added that the public can no longer be fooled by such tactics.
"Boniface Mwangi being charged with terrorism is preposterous. They are so desperate to spin the narrative and instill fear, but we are way past this. All we see is an oppressive anti-people regime that we can not wait to offload," she stated.
In a statement on Saturday, July 19, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks were seized from Mwangi's home during his arrest.
The detectives later drove to his offices in Nairobi, where several articles, including round ammunition and tear gas canisters, were reportedly recovered.
"He was later escorted to his office at Mageuzi Hub, Rose Avenue in Hurlingham, where a search led to the recovery of: nine assorted external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six checkbooks, copies of stamp duty documents, two unused tear gas canisters and one 7.62 mm blank round," the DCI said.
