Police recover electronics, blank ammunition, and tear gas in Nairobi raid
Renowned activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi was arrested on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in a coordinated police operation at his residence in Lukenya, Machakos County, over alleged links to the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25 anti-government protests.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mwangi is suspected of helping coordinate what authorities describe as “subversive and violent” acts that broke out during the nationwide protests.
“He was arrested at around 7:00 a.m. without incident. We recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks. These items are now undergoing forensic analysis,” a senior DCI officer confirmed to The Daily Whistle.
Search and Seizure at Mageuzi Hub
Hours after the arrest, DCI detectives escorted Mwangi to his Mageuzi Hub offices on Rose Avenue in Hurlingham, Nairobi, where a detailed search was conducted. Police say they recovered nine assorted external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six cheque books, copies of stamp duty documents, two unused tear gas canisters, and one 7.62mm blank round.
“We believe this equipment may have been used to plan or support unlawful activities,” said Nairobi Regional Police Commander Paul Wanjala. “Investigations are ongoing, and we are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves.”
Charges and Detention
Mwangi is currently being held at Pangani Police Station. He is expected to be arraigned on Monday, July 21, 2025, facing charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Firearms Act, which include facilitation of terrorist activities and unlawful possession of ammunition.
His legal team has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
“Our client is a law-abiding citizen who has consistently used peaceful and constitutional means to advocate for justice. These charges will not hold in a court of law,” said Mwangi’s lead counsel.
National and Political Reactions
Mwangi’s arrest has sparked swift outrage from civil society, human rights groups, and opposition leaders, who say the government is using terrorism laws to silence dissent.
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka issued a fiery statement condemning the arrest:
“I will NEVER join this rogue and criminal regime, and I refuse to participate in any type of dialogue with a regime that has our children’s blood on its hands.
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. #FreeBonifaceMwangi”
“Make no mistake: the Ruto dictatorship is not interested in peace. It feeds on fear, violence, and intimidation. That is their modus operandi. But we shall not remain silent nor be silenced. The spirit of resistance is alive. #WanTamIsReal.”
Human rights defender Maina Kiai added:
“This is a blatant attempt to criminalize activism. Boniface Mwangi is one of the most courageous voices in this country. The state must stop weaponizing fear.”
A History of Resistance
Mwangi, a fierce anti-corruption crusader and founder of several civic movements including the Mageuzi Initiative, has long been a thorn in the side of political elites. His confrontational style and powerful use of protest art have made him both admired and controversial.
His arrest comes amid rising tensions following the June 25 nationwide protests, largely led by Gen Z and organized online under hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2025 and #RutoMustGo.
What’s Next
Mwangi is expected in court on Monday, and his legal team is preparing to challenge both the grounds of his arrest and the admissibility of the evidence.
As pressure mounts on the government to justify its actions, the case is quickly becoming a flashpoint in the broader debate over freedom of expression, state overreach, and the future of Kenya’s civic space
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