Boniface Mwangi: DCI Displays Tear Gas Canisters, Blank Round Found at Activist's Offices
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) explained why human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested
- The detectives listed the items recovered at Mwangi's office, situated at Mageuzi Hub in Hurlingham
- Mwangi is currently in custody at Pangani Police Station, where he is undergoing processing ahead of arraignment
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Advocate Achieng’ Otieno termed the arrest a targeted attempt to silence government critics
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a statement regarding the arrest of human rights activist Boniface Mwangi.
Source: Twitter
In a statement on Sunday, July 20, the DCI explained why they apprehended the activist, a strong critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Why was Boniface Mwangi arrested?
According to the detectives, Mwangi was arrested for allegedly facilitating terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests.
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"Boniface Mwangi was arrested yesterday, July 19, 2025, by detectives at his residence in Lukenya in Machakos County in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests," DCI said.
Following his arrest at his Lukenya home, the activist was taken to his office at Mageuzi Hub in Hurlingham, where a search was conducted, and the DCI recovered several assorted items.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, constitutional lawyer and human rights defender Advocate Achieng’ Otieno described the DCI's move as part of a broader campaign to silence critics of the government.
“This appears to be a politically motivated arrest rather than a lawful pursuit of justice. You do not label someone a terrorist simply because they own laptops, tear gas canisters, or hard drives. These are items that require proper forensic analysis and context, not sensationalism. Otherwise, we risk turning law enforcement into a tool of political suppression," she told TUKO.co.ke.
What items were found at Boniface Mwangi's office?
Among the items found at Mwangi's office are two laptops, company seals, six cheque books, two unused tear gas canisters, and a bullet.
"During the arrest, detectives recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks. He was later escorted to his office at Mageuzi Hub, Rose Avenue in Hurlingham, where a search led to the recovery of: nine assorted external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six cheque books, copies of stamp duty documents, two unused tear gas canisters and one 7.62mm blank round," the statement read.
DCI disclosed that Mwangi is currently in custody at Pangani Police Station, where he is undergoing processing to be arraigned tomorrow, Monday, July 21, 2025, for offences related to facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition.
How Kenyans reacted to DCI statement
Muthoni Njakwe:
"Haha! Wajinga waliisha Kenya."
Nyambura Ndung'u - The Pottery Queen
"You make terrorism charge look like child play 😂. You are pathetic, incompetent and just crooks for hire."
Sarah Mwangi:
"Do you see the accolades? Sasa hard drives 🤣🤣 laughable."
Juma The Just:
"You’re being used to make a political score….The wantam movement is unstoppable. Let's not forget, Ndegwa Muhoro & George Kinoti were once DCI bosses. Cha mwezako kikinyolewa chako tia Maji #Amin 2027 we will sent you and your despot Ruto home."
Brian Olago:
"We all know this is not true. We know what 7.62mm is used for."
Source: Facebook
What Martha Karua said about Boniface Mwangi's arrest
As reported, the activist's wife, Njeri Mwangi, tweeted, saying detectives had picked her husband up for alleged terrorism and arson charges.
The arrest attracted condemnation, with the government being accused of cracking down on law-abiding human rights defenders.
PLP leader Martha Karua issued a statement decrying the apparent weaponisation of state agencies to suppress dissent.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
