Big news from Kenya! The government has dropped terror charges against activist Boniface Mwangi. This change came after many people spoke out. Mwangi faced arrest last Saturday. Police said he helped with terrorist acts during protests. But now, he faces a smaller charge. It’s about having ammunition without permission.
A Shocking Arrest
Mwangi’s trouble started on July 19, 2025. Police raided his home in Lukenya, Machakos County. They also searched his office in Nairobi. They found tear gas canisters and a blank bullet. The police said these items linked him to the June 25 protests. Those protests turned violent. At least 19 people died. Mwangi denied everything. He said on social media, “I am not a terrorist.”
His arrest caused a stir. Many called it unfair. Rights groups joined the fight. They said the government was using tough laws to silence voices. The hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi spread fast online. People demanded his release. The pressure grew strong.
A Quick Change of Plan
By Monday, July 21, 2025, things changed. The terror charge was dropped. Mwangi appeared in court in Nairobi. He faced a new charge instead. It was about possessing three tear gas canisters and one blank round. He pleaded not guilty. The court set his bail at one million shillings, about $7,000. He walked free soon after.
Mwangi spoke to supporters outside the court. He said, “The president is scared of young people.” He added, “They think I pay people to protest. But people hate the government on their own.” His words got cheers. Many waved Kenyan flags. They stood with him.
Why the Protests Happened
The protests started last year. People were angry about new taxes. They wanted President William Ruto to step down. Police used force to stop them. Many got hurt or killed. Rights groups say over 100 deaths happened since June 2024. The government says the number is lower, around 42.
Mwangi has been a leader in these fights. He’s known for speaking out. He once brought piglets to parliament to protest greedy lawmakers. He also called for coffins to show tax pain. Police have arrested him before. But he keeps going. His past as a photojournalist helps. He captured the 2007 election violence. That made him famous worldwide.
Support from the Public
Mwangi’s case got huge support. Activists filled the courtroom. Some wore flags. Others sang the national anthem. Online, people shared his story. They praised his courage. A group of 37 rights organizations spoke up. They called his arrest an attack on democracy. They want the government to stop using terror laws this way.
Even politicians backed him. James Orengo, a governor, called the charges silly. He said peaceful protest should not be a crime. The outcry worked. It pushed the government to back down. But concerns remain. Rights groups say over 100 others still face terror charges.
What This Means for Kenya
This case shows a bigger problem. The government uses strong laws to control dissent. Many see it as unfair. The protests highlight demands for change. Young people want better lives. They want leaders to listen. Mwangi’s release is a win. But the fight isn’t over.
President Ruto’s team says the protests threaten safety. They claim police stations were attacked. Officers got hurt. Cars burned. But critics say the response was too harsh. They point to police violence. The debate continues. People watch to see what happens next.
Mwangi’s Past Struggles
Mwangi has faced trouble before. In May 2025, he was detained in Tanzania. He went there for a trial. It was for an opposition leader. He and another activist said police tortured them. They took their case to court. This history shows his bravery. He risks a lot for his beliefs.
His scars tell a story. He’s been beaten and jailed. Yet, he stays strong. He wants justice. He fights corruption. His work inspires many. People see him as a hero. His release brings hope. But challenges remain ahead.
Looking Ahead
Mwangi’s case is not closed. He still faces the ammunition charge. His trial will test the system. Will justice win? Or will the government push back? The world watches Kenya. The country faces a turning point. Protests may grow. Change could come.
Supporters plan to stay active. They want fair laws. They want freedom to speak. Mwangi’s voice matters. His release is a step forward. But the journey is long. People hope for peace. They hope for a better future.
This story shows power in numbers. When people unite, change happens. Mwangi’s fight is Kenya’s fight. It’s a story of courage. It’s a story of hope. Stay tuned for updates. The road ahead is uncertain. But the spirit lives on.
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