Boniface Mwangi's wife, legal team accuse police of planting ammunition, tear gas canisters to justify terror charges
Njeri accused police of deliberately targeting Mwangi by raiding his office with a predetermined plan saying that authorities arrived already aware of what they wanted to “recover,” and are now attempting to link him falsely to acts of terrorism.
The wife of detained Boniface Mwangi and his legal team have dismissed claims by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) that the activist was found in possession of ammunition and tear gas canisters.
Speaking outside Pangani Police Station, Njeri Mwangi said that the items allegedly recovered were planted to justify terrorism-related charges.
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Njeri accused police of deliberately targeting Mwangi by raiding his office with a predetermined plan. She said that authorities arrived already aware of what they wanted to “recover,” and are now attempting to link him falsely to acts of terrorism.
“We saw it coming,” Njeri said, addressing the media. “There has been intimidation for a long time. This was not a surprise to us. We knew they would eventually come for Boniface.”
She added that they now expect him to be charged with terrorism and arson, similar to other young people who have recently been arrested during and after the June 25 protests.
Despite the charges, Njeri confirmed that she has been granted access to her husband and that he is in high spirits.
According to her, the police at Pangani station have treated him well since his arrest.
Njeri was joined by lawyer Njanja Maina, a member of Boniface Mwangi’s legal team.
Boniface Mwangi’s lead advocate, Njanja Maina, has refuted claims by the DCI that the activist was found in possession of ammunition and two tear gas canisters. She stated that the items were planted by the police in an attempt to justify terrorism charges levelled against… pic.twitter.com/Tqfm34VER6
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) July 20, 2025
Maina confirmed that Mwangi is being held at Pangani Police Station and had earlier been taken to the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to record a statement.
“We have seen him, and he is okay,” said Maina. “He was taken to DCI headquarters this morning to give a statement, and he confirmed he is in good health.”
A group of fellow activists accompanied the family and legal team to Pangani Police Station. The group held a brief address condemning the arrest and demanding Mwangi’s immediate release. They said the arrest was politically motivated and intended to silence critical voices.
Among the activists was Hussein Khalid, the vocal human rights defender. He said that human rights activists are now being targeted by the government.
He added that the current administration appears to be following a path similar to authoritarian governments by using laws meant for combating terrorism to suppress dissent.
“This is something we will not accept as a country; human rights defenders are not terrorists. They are here to defend the Constitution," said Hussein.
Some of the human rights activists outside Pangani Police Station, where Boniface Mwangi is being detained. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
He further accused the state of misusing anti-terrorism laws to intimidate those who criticise the government. He called for the withdrawal of charges against Mwangi and an end to what he described as the criminalisation of activism.
Nerima Wako, the director of Siasa Place, echoed the concerns. She said that the government is using legal and security frameworks to target those who speak out against its policies. Wako noted that more than 100 young Kenyans are currently being held in different police stations under similar charges stemming from the protests.
“These young people are being accused under the terrorism laws, and the conditions of bail are very high; they are kept in cells because they cannot afford to secure their release,” she said.
Wako said this tactic is being used to deter further activism by making examples out of those who participated in protests or political organising. She called on the police to respect the rights of the detained individuals and adhere to the law.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed Mwangi’s arrest on Sunday. According to a statement from the agency, Mwangi was arrested in connection with events during the nationwide protests held on June 25. The DCI alleges that he was involved in facilitating acts of terror during the protests.
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