The government has officially withdrawn terrorism-related charges against well-known activist Boniface Mwangi, who was arrested on Saturday. However, Mwangi is not entirely off the hook, as prosecutors have filed fresh charges against him for illegal possession of ammunition.
Appearing before the Kahawa Law Courts on Monday morning, Mwangi was presented with two new charges, both related to being in possession of ammunition without holding a valid firearm license.
According to a charge sheet obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, Mwangi is accused of unlawfully possessing three teargas canisters and one blank round of ammunition. The document outlines that on July 19, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub in Nairobi County, Mwangi was allegedly found in possession of these items without any lawful authority or firearm certificate.
The first count states: “On the 19th of July, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub within Nairobi County, you were found in possession of noxious substances, namely three teargas canisters, without having the legal authority to do so.”
Although the more serious terrorism charges have been dropped, the updated charges still pose legal consequences for the activist. The development has sparked fresh debate on the use of law enforcement powers against vocal human rights defenders and government critics in Kenya.
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