Kenyan activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi has been released on bail after being arrested on July 19. His arrest came in connection with the alleged unlawful possession of ammunition, in a case that has drawn national and international attention.
Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided Mwangi’s home in Machakos County and his Nairobi-based Mageuzi Hub. During the search, they seized laptops, phones, notebooks, two unused teargas canisters, and a single 7.62mm blank round. Initially, the DCI linked Mwangi to terrorism and arson investigations.
However, two days later, the DCI dropped the terrorism claims. Instead, prosecutors charged Mwangi under the Firearms Act for unlawful possession of ammunition. On July 21, the Kahawa Law Courts granted him bail, setting a bond of KSh 1 million with one surety.
Mwangi’s lawyers challenged the charges, calling them baseless and politically motivated. “There is no credible evidence that justifies his arrest, let alone prosecution,” said lead attorney Gitobu Imanyara.
The arrest came shortly after Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire filed a petition at the East African Court of Justice. The case accuses Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania of complicity in cross-border abductions and torture of activists.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, have condemned the arrest. They argue that authorities are using legal processes to intimidate outspoken critics.
So far, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has not announced whether it will proceed with the case or drop the charges.
