Kenyan Activist Boniface Mwangi Arrested on "Terrorism" Charges.

By Kennedy Nalyanya

Renowned Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was reportedly arrested on Saturday afternoon by individuals believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The arrest, which his wife described as an act of "terrorism and arson," took place at their home in Lukenya, Machakos County.

Mwangi's wife stated that the officers confiscated his electronic devices and indicated they were transporting him to the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road in Nairobi. "The police have come to our home in Courage Base and are taking my husband, talking of terrorism and arson! They’ve taken his gadgets and said they are taking him to DCI headquarters. I can’t breathe," she said, lamenting his apprehension and demanding his immediate release.

According to Mwangi's lawyer, James Kamau, DCI officers conducted an impromptu search of the activist's home before taking him into custody. Kamau noted that the officers provided no reason for the arrest, but he confirmed that legal teams are actively pursuing the matter to ascertain the grounds for his detention.

Mwangi has been a vocal critic of President William Ruto's administration, frequently accusing the government of orchestrating abductions and extrajudicial killings. His arrest follows recent strong condemnations of the government for its alleged inaction after his own detention and torture in Tanzania.

The arrest also comes just after Mwangi, along with fellow activist Agather Atuhaire and seven civil society organizations, filed a petition against the Tanzanian government before the East African Court of Justice on Friday, July 18. This petition accuses Tanzania of severe human rights violations, including enforced disappearance, torture, arbitrary detention, sexual abuse, and unlawful deportation. The activists are seeking formal apologies from the governments of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, along with Ksh130 million each in compensation.

Watch the arrest here