Kenya, July 19 -- Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested at his Lukenya home in Machakos County on Saturday, with authorities taking him to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Kiambu Road.
According to his wife, Njeri Mwangi, officers confiscated his gadgets and cited charges related to terrorism and arson, though the exact reasons for the arrest remain unclear.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with human rights defenders and lawyers demanding transparency.
The arrest follows Mwangi's recent legal action at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), alongside Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, in which they challenged alleged human rights violations by Tanzanian authorities.
Mwangi's vocal activism, often targeting government accountability, has made him a frequent subject of controversy. His wife expressed distress, stating, "The police came to our home in Courage Base, talking of terrorism and arson. I can't breathe."
Human rights advocate Hussein Khalid confirmed the arrest, noting that Mwangi's lawyers, James Wa Njeri and Eyan Muthomi, are seeking clarity on the charges.
This is not Mwangi's first encounter with law enforcement. In 2019, he was detained for allegedly organising a revolution likely to cause civil unrest, though he was released shortly after.
In 2024, he faced arrest over incitement charges linked to anti-government protests during the Standard Chartered Marathon. Mwangi's history includes accusations of state intimidation, notably after his under-construction Lukenya home was allegedly bombed in 2021, an incident he linked to former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua. Police investigations into that attack found evidence of detonators but no conclusive motive.
Supporters argue the arrest is an attempt to silence Mwangi's criticism of government policies, while others speculate it relates to his recent EACJ filing.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and figures like Martha Karua have previously condemned similar detentions, emphasising the need for due process.
False claims of Mwangi's abduction circulated in June 2025, debunked by LSK president Faith Odhiambo as "deepfakes," highlighting the sensitivity of his public profile.
Mwangi's activism spans years, from founding PAWA254 to advocating for justice in cases like the 2021 bombing of his home, dubbed "Courage Base."
He has consistently called for transparent investigations into state actions, including his own past arrests. The 2021 incident saw police recover explosive remnants, but no arrests were made, fueling Mwangi's claims of state-sponsored harassment.
His recent posts on X, including calls to protest during public events, have drawn scrutiny, with authorities accusing him of inciting violence.
The ongoing saga raises questions about freedom of expression in Kenya's digital age. With Google Trends showing spikes in searches for "Boniface Mwangi arrested" and "Lukenya home DCI," public interest remains high.
Critics argue the government's response to dissent risks undermining constitutional protections, while supporters of the arrest cite the need for public order.
As Mwangi's legal team seeks answers, the nation watches closely, awaiting clarity on whether this arrest marks another chapter in his turbulent fight for justice or a new escalation in state-activist tensions.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.