Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has been cleared of terrorism and money laundering charges initially brought by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). In a powerful statement released on Monday, the Police Reforms Working Group – Kenya declared, “Boniface Mwangi is not a terrorist,” following confirmation that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) will not pursue those charges.
The statement, signed by over 20 national and grassroots civil society organizations, accuses the government of targeting Mwangi and other human rights defenders through what it describes as “coordinated, well-funded online disinformation campaigns.” The groups say the campaign extends to members of the Police Reforms Working Group, opposition voices, and civil liberties advocates.
The only charge now facing Mwangi relates to possession of ammunition without a valid license — a charge the group says will be robustly defended in court.
“We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order in more than 100 other cases,” the coalition stated, warning that such misuse not only violates civil liberties but also endangers critical international partnerships intended to bolster Kenya’s national security infrastructure.
The statement comes amid national and global scrutiny following Mwangi’s arrest on July 19 at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County. The DCI had claimed he was involved in “facilitating terrorist acts” during the June 25 anti-government protests. Items reportedly seized from his residence and office included mobile devices, tear gas canisters, and a blank ammunition round.
However, the human rights groups maintain that these claims are part of a larger, repressive strategy aimed at criminalizing dissent.
“The arrest of Boniface Mwangi appears to be part of a broader effort to intimidate lawful dissent and those committed to upholding the rule of law,” read the statement.
The Police Reforms Working Group is now calling on the Judiciary to strictly adhere to constitutional principles and not allow judicial processes to be weaponized against activists.
“We urge the Kenyan authorities to abandon this dangerous approach to managing public dissent and reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law,” they said.
The coalition of signatories includes major organizations such as the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Amnesty International Kenya, HAKI Africa, Transparency International Kenya, the International Commission of Jurists (Kenya Section), Social Justice Centres Working Group, and others.
Mwangi, a globally recognized activist, had just days earlier filed a human rights violation case against the Tanzanian government at the East African Court of Justice, further fueling suspicions that his arrest may have been politically motivated.
