In a dramatic twist to a high-profile case, the State has withdrawn terrorism-related charges against renowned activist Boniface Mwangi and instead arraigned him on charges of illegal possession of ammunition.
Mwangi, who was arrested on Saturday at his residence in Lukenya, Machakos County, appeared before the Kahawa Law Courts on Monday morning, where prosecutors substituted the initial accusations with two fresh charges.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, Mwangi is accused of being in possession of three teargas canisters and one round of blank ammunition. The first count reads: “On July 19, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub in Nairobi County within the Republic of Kenya, you were found in possession of noxious substances, to wit, three teargas canisters without lawful authority.”
The second count pertains to the blank ammunition allegedly found in his possession on the same day and location.
Mwangi pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on a bond of KSh 1 million. The case will be mentioned on August 19, 2025.
This development comes amid public uproar and concern from civil society groups, who viewed Mwangi’s arrest as a clampdown on dissenting voices. Mwangi, known for his fierce activism and vocal criticism of government policies, was initially said to be under investigation for allegedly facilitating terrorism—claims that have now been formally dropped.
The legal battle now shifts focus to the ammunition possession charges, with Mwangi’s defense team expected to challenge the credibility and motivation behind the revised accusations.
