Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has slammed government efforts to implicate him in recent anti-government protests, calling the move “weak” and “desperate.” He was arraigned in court on Monday, facing charges of unlawful possession of ammunition specifically, three tear gas canisters allegedly tied to ongoing youth led demonstrations that have swept across Kenya.
His lawyer, Njanja Maina, rejected the accusations, labeling them as fabricated. The Kenya Human Rights Commission echoed this sentiment, dismissing the charges as politically motivated and “trumped-up.”
Mwangi, granted bond shortly after the hearing, emerged from the courtroom defiantly, accusing President William Ruto of authoritarianism. “We’re not terrorists,” he declared to journalists. “We’re hunting the real terrorist Ruto because our government is killing us, and we’ve had enough.”
The arrest followed a weekend raid on Mwangi’s residence, during which authorities seized electronic devices and reportedly cited suspicions of terrorism and arson. Many feared he might face terrorism related charges.
In court, Mwangi distanced himself from organizing the protests, instead hailing the courage of young Kenyans the “Gen Z” movement for taking the lead. He praised their demand for real change, even noting that some protesters were writing their own obituaries before heading out.
He criticized the government’s tactic of targeting individuals, stating, “Trying to personalize the broader movement for a better Kenya is a weak strategy.”
The protest wave began in mid 2024 in response to President Ruto’s proposed tax hikes. Demonstrators have since widened their demands, calling for reforms to address corruption and unfulfilled promises to everyday citizens.
As activists gear up for the next major rally on August 8 dubbed “nane-nane” Mwangi signaled that the push for accountability is gaining momentum, despite mounting legal pressures.
