Vocal Africa condemns Ruto’s administration for using terrorism charges to silence Kenyan activists

Human rights lobby group Vocal Africa has criticised the state for allegedly misusing the justice system to settle personal scores and political vendettas.

Speaking at Kahawa Law Courts after activist Boniface Mwangi was released on a Sh1 million bond, Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to stop using terrorism charges against individuals accused of organising anti-government protests.

Khalid said the use of criminal charges to silence dissent violates the law and undermines constitutional rights.

"Courts have made it clear that activists are not terrorists. The ruling on Boniface Mwangi's case is a victory for the Constitution," said Khalid.

The activists argued that terrorism charges should be reserved for individuals who pose a serious threat to national security—not for activists protesting against government excesses.

Terrorism charges

"We cannot sit and watch Kenya beginning the practice of preferring terrorism charges to human rights activists just the same way other countries in this region of the continent are doing," said Hussein.

The activist, joined by officials from the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, Kenya Human Rights Commission, and Amnesty International, warned that Kenya risks becoming a regional laughing stock if its human rights record continues to decline.

"Kenyans are well aware of the real culprits behind acts of vandalism — individuals who are shielded as they loot and divide the spoils," said Khalid.

The issue of terrorism charges previously levelled against Boniface Mwangi—which were later dropped before he was charged with illegal possession of ammunition—sparked heated debate in court. Mwangi's lawyers, led by Martha Karua and Ndegwa Njiru, demanded that the detectives who initially filed the terrorism charges be held accountable.

Delete online terrorism references

They asked the court to compel the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to delete all online references, particularly on its social media platforms, linking Mwangi to terrorism.

Njiru also requested that Magistrate Gideon Kiage grant them the opportunity to cross-examine the officers responsible for the initial terrorism allegations.

In addition, the lawyers demanded the return of Mwangi’s confiscated electronic devices, noting that most of them belong to his children and are essential for their education. They also urged the court to offer Mwangi protection from further arrest until his next court appearance.

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"Should we just make a commitment that he will not be arrested once he leaves this court. Should they arrest him, then they should start with a summons," said the lawyers.

Magistrate Kiage directed that the confiscated gadgets be examined to determine which ones could be returned to Boniface Mwangi’s family.

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru also requested permission to cross-examine the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohammed Amin, regarding the earlier terrorism charges brought against Mwangi.

The charges followed violent protests that resulted in deaths and widespread property destruction. However, the decision to charge some of those arrested with terrorism has drawn sharp criticism and condemnation from human rights activists.