Government drops terrorism charges against activist Boniface Mwangi

Activist Boniface Mwangi when he was produced before Kahawa Law Courts. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

Activist Boniface Mwangi was on Monday arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts, where he is expected to face two charges.

According to a charge sheet seen by The Standard, Mwangi is accused of being in possession of ammunition and three teargas canisters without lawful authority.

It remains unclear whether he will also face terrorism-related charges as earlier suggested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

On Sunday, the  DCI had claimed that Mwangi was being held in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities.

Mwangi was arrested on Saturday at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, and spent two nights in custody at the Pangani Police Station.

His arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups and legal experts, who accuse the government of misusing anti-terrorism laws to suppress peaceful dissent.