Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic courtroom session today at Kahawa Law Courts, prominent human rights defender Boniface Mwangi was granted Sh1 million bond after being charged with possessing ammunition without a valid firearm certificate and illegal possession of tear-gas canisters.
Sudden Shift from Terror Charges to Ammunition Allegations.
Mwangi was initially detained over terrorism-related accusations tied to June 25 anti-government protests. However, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) later adjusted the charges to focus specifically on ammunition and noxious substances after seizing three canisters of tear gas and a 7.62mm blank round from his Mageuzi Hub office in Nairobi, according to court documents .
Courtroom Drama Unfolds.
The proceedings experienced early disruption when Magistrate Gideon Kiage ordered a pause after Mwangi’s legal team, led by prominent lawyers Martha Karua and Ndegwa Njiru, objected to his unexpected absence. Their protest prompted a formal directive to have him presented before the court .
Bond Set Amid Rising Tensions.
Magistrate Kiage approved Mwangi’s release on bond today, mandating stringent conditions including regular court reporting and travel restrictions. The swift bond, coming less than 48 hours after his arrest, surprised many legal observers and drew a large crowd of supportive activists outside the courtroom.
Activist Claims of Evidence Planting.
Mwangi’s defense maintains that the ammunition and tear gas were planted by authorities to justify fresh terror-linked allegations. His team has called for the DCI to remove all references connecting him to terrorism from official statements .
Wider Political Storm.
Mwangi, known for spearheading protests against police brutality and corruption, has become a flashpoint in Kenya’s debate on dissent and state power.
Reuters reports he also faces charges for facilitating terrorist acts, intensifying scrutiny of security agencies’ handling of activists .
What’s Next– Arraignment Looms: Mwangi is set for formal arraignment on ammunition and terror facilitation charges early this week.
Legal Battle Intensifies: His lawyers vow to challenge the admissibility of seized items and demand clarity on procedural errors during arrest.
Activist Community Responds: Civil society groups, including KHRC, will likely demand an end to what they call politically motivated prosecutions.
