Boniface Mwangi denies being in possession of ammunition

Activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi was on Monday arraigned at Kahawa, facing charges of illegal possession of ammunition, a move that has drawn sharp reactions from human rights groups and pro-democracy campaigners.

Mr Mwangi, who has been a central figure in the recent wave of youth-led protests, denied the charges and was freed on a Sh1 million bond. His pre-trial hearing has been set for 14 days from Monday (yesterday).

According to police, a raid on his Nairobi and Machakos premises yielded three(3) teargas canisters, a blank 7.62mm rifle round, a laptop, two(2) mobile phones, and notebooks--items allegedly linking him to unlawful activities.

However, initial terrorism-related charges were dropped before the new accusations were filed under Kenya’s Firearms Act.

His lawyer, Njanja Maina, told the court that none of the items allegedly recovered were in Mwangi’s possession, and the prosecution had failed to provide any credible evidence.

Outside the courtroom, supporters chanted slogans and waved Kenyan flags, accusing the state of using the law to silence critics.

The case comes barely a month after the death in custody of blogger Albert Ojwang, whose killing ignited nationwide anti-government protests under the Gen Z movement.

More than 50 people have died in the unrest, which has exposed deep frustrations over governance, corruption, and police brutality.

Mr Mwangi has been one of the boldest voices in the streets and online, using his platform to call out State excesses and demand justice.

His arrest drew widespread condemnation, with Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission describing the charges as “trumped-up” and “politically motivated.”

Mr Mwangi has previously faced arrests, threats, and intimidation for his activism. In 2016, he was sued by then-Deputy President William Ruto for defamation--a case that was later withdrawn.

In 2021, unknown assailants attacked his home with explosives, damaging property, but leaving his family unharmed.

He was also tortured in Tanzania in 2019 while filming a documentary on regional corruption, a case that made international headlines and sparked diplomatic concer.