NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24) — Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, known for his vocal opposition to government abuses, was released on bail Monday after being charged with illegal possession of teargas canisters and a single blank rifle round found in his home, fueling fears of a broader crackdown on dissent.
Mwangi, 42, was arrested Saturday in a raid that police said uncovered three unused teargas canisters, a 7.62mm blank round, two mobile phones, a laptop and notebooks. Authorities accused him of possessing “noxious substances” without lawful authority, according to a charge sheet seen by Reuters. He was also charged with unlawful possession of blank ammunition.
The courtroom in Nairobi was filled with hundreds of supporters and activists, many draped in the Kenyan flag, as Mwangi appeared before the court. Speaking outside, he denounced the charges as politically motivated.
“They have no evidence,” Mwangi said. “This is a big shame.”
His lawyer welcomed the court’s decision to grant bail but condemned the arrest as part of an escalating pattern of repression targeting critics of President William Ruto’s administration.
Mwangi, a longtime anti-corruption advocate who once ran for parliament, has become one of Kenya’s most prominent voices in the fight against police brutality and government impunity. He has faced harassment in the past, including expulsion from neighboring Tanzania in May while attending a hearing in a high-profile treason case against an opposition leader.
His latest arrest comes amid growing tensions following the death in police custody of political blogger Albert Ojwang in June. Police initially claimed Ojwang died by suicide, but an autopsy revealed signs of severe assault. The incident triggered weeks of nationwide protests, during which nearly 50 demonstrators were killed in clashes with security forces.
Ojwang’s death re-energized demonstrations that had already been erupting since last year over economic hardship, widespread corruption, and alleged state violence. Rights groups have raised alarms over a pattern of intimidation targeting civil society leaders and media figures critical of the government.
Kenyan activists say the state’s prosecution of Mwangi is yet another effort to silence opposition through legal harassment. International watchdogs have called on Nairobi to respect civil liberties and uphold due process as the country navigates a fraught political climate.
Mwangi’s next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks as legal proceedings continue.
