Boniface MWANGI is scheduled to be in court on charges of “facilitating terrorist acts” during the anti -government protests last month in which at least 19 people died.
On Sunday, investigators said they seized phones, a laptop and laptop computers from Mr. Mwanji Lukeenia’s house on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, hard drive, computers, tear gas cans, and an empty firearm tour From his city office.
His detention sparked a wave of condemnation, as human rights groups condemned that they aim to suppress the voices of the opposition.
The activist denied these accusations, saying in a post on X: “I am not a terrorist.”
According to the Criminal Investigation Directorate in Kenya, Mr. Mwanji is accused of “crimes related to facilitating terrorist acts and possessing illegal ammunition.”
The alleged crimes are linked to the June 25 protests when, according to the Kenyan National Human Rights Committee (KNCHR), 19 people died when the demonstrators clashed with the police. Hundreds were also wounded and property and companies were injured.
In the aftermath, Interior Minister Kepshomba Morcin Description of the demonstrations as “terrorism disguised as opposition” And a “unconstitutional attempt” to change the government.
KNHCR said at least 38 people were killed in subsequent protests earlier this month.
Since June of last year, more than 100 people have been killed in successive waves of anti -government protests, with the police being accused of using excessive force to suppress the turmoil.
On Sunday, a coalition of 37 rights organization condemned the arrest of Mr. Mwanji over “unjustified allegations of terrorism”, describing it as “the latest escalation in a systematic campaign that witnessed hundreds of Kenyan youth held on charges of terrorism fabricated.”
“What started as a targeted persecution of young demonstrators who are demanding accountability has spread in a widespread attack on Kenya’s democracy,” they said in a joint statement.
“It is absurd that the charge of Bonifas Mwanji and our children who have shown a high level of political awareness with terrorism,” said James Orangeo, a veteran politician and ruler of Sia County.
Mr. Mwangi has been held several times in the past, and he was in the midst of many protests.
in May, He and Ugandan activist Agath Atur in Tanzania were detainedThey traveled to the trial of the Tanzanian opposition leader Tindo Lesu, accused of treason.
After their release several days later, both of them said they were kidnapped, tortured and sexually assaulted. They have since submitted a case in the Justice Court in East Africa Regional on this issue.
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/a7f5/live/f7f38ab0-6608-11f0-af20-030418be2ca5.jpg
2025-07-21 08:07:00
