Kenyan Activist Mwangi Faces Terrorism Charges Over Deadly Protests

Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has been arrested and charged with facilitating terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition related to deadly anti-government protests in June, which resulted in at least 19 deaths. The protests, fueled by anger over police brutality, corruption, and the cost of living, have led to over 100 deaths in successive waves since last year. Human rights organizations and a coalition of 37 rights groups have condemned Mwangi's arrest, calling the terrorism allegations unjustified and part of a systematic crackdown on dissent and Kenyan democracy. The government, represented by Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, described the protests as "terrorism disguised as dissent" and an attempt to unconstitutionally change the government. Mwangi has denied all charges, asserting "I am not a terrorist," while supporters have rallied online with the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi. His arrest follows prior detentions, including a recent incident in Tanzania where he and a Ugandan activist alleged torture and sexual assault, incidents they have taken to the East African Court of Justice.