Activist Boniface Mwangi arrest at home as police cite 'terrorism and arson' links to protests

Activist Boniface Mwangi has been arrested at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, by individuals believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa, confirmed the arrest in a post on X, stating that Mwangi’s lawyers, James Njeri and Ndegwa Njiru, are currently following up on the matter.

“I can confirm that Boniface Mwangi has been arrested at his home, Courage Base, by officers from the DCI. Together with his lawyers James Njeri and Ndegwa Njiru, we are working to establish the reasons behind his arrest,” Hussein wrote.

I can confirm that @bonifacemwangi has been arrested at his home Courage Base by officers from the @DCI_Kenya. Together with his lawyers @JamesKWaNjeri and @eyanm, we are following up to understand why.#FreeBonifaceMwangi pic.twitter.com/aTG9fnsVw9

— husseinkhalid (@husskhalid) July 19, 2025

Mwangi’s wife, Njeri Mwangi, also confirmed the arrest. She said the officers confiscated his electronic devices and accused him of involvement in “terrorism and arson.”

“The police have come to our home, Courage Base, and are taking my husband, alleging terrorism and arson. They’ve taken his gadgets and said they’re taking him to DCI Headquarters. I can’t breathe,” she posted on X.

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 Hq. I can’t breath😭 pic.twitter.com/FWhg1ILtLd

— Njeri Mwangi (@njerikan) July 19, 2025

Videos shared online by Njeri Mwangi show plainclothes officers forcefully entering the couple’s home and ransacking it, going through personal belongings as the family watched on in distress.

The arrest comes just a day after Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agatha Atuhaire filed a case at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), challenging human rights violations committed by the Tanzanian government in May this year. Each is seeking compensation of Sh129 million.

The petition accuses Tanzanian authorities of serious human rights abuses, including enforced disappearance, torture, arbitrary detention, sexual violence, and unlawful deportation. The two activists are also demanding public apologies from the governments of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, along with rehabilitation and psychological support.

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