By Horn Africa News
Nairobi – Prominent Kenyan human rights defender Boniface Mwangi has received a groundswell of public support following his arrest on Saturday and controversial accusations of “facilitation of terrorist acts” related to last month’s anti-government protests.
Mwangi, a longtime activist known for his outspoken stance against police brutality and corruption, was taken from his home in Lukenya, near Nairobi. He is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, according to Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The charges stem from the June 25 demonstrations, during the 25? June demonstrations which at least 19 people were killed in a heavy-handed police crackdown. The protests coincided with a memorial to victims of police brutality from the same date last year.
In a statement shared widely by supporters, Mwangi denied the charges, declaring, “I am not a terrorist.” The hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi quickly went viral on social media, with thousands of Kenyans and global activists expressing outrage and calling for his immediate release.
Police say they seized electronics and other items during the raid on his home and office, but Mwangi’s legal team argues that the accusations are part of an ongoing attempt to silence dissent and intimidate those speaking out against injustice.
Human rights organizations have condemned the arrest, citing growing concerns over shrinking civic space and the targeting of activists in Kenya. Since protests began last year, over 100 demonstrators have reportedly lost their lives in clashes with security forces.
Despite the charges, Mwangi’s arrest has sparked renewed calls for accountability, justice, and the protection of civil liberties in Kenya.
