Activist Boniface Mwangi was arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts on 21st July 2025, following his arrest on 19th July 2025 at his home.
He was charged with being in possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate. The courtroom was packed with activists and a battery of lawyers who turned up to witness the proceedings against the outspoken human rights defender.
In his ruling, Magistrate Gideon Oenga acknowledged Mwangi as a prominent public figure known to authorities. He noted that the court had to consider whether the accused was likely to attend trial if released on bail. The magistrate ruled that Mwangi be released on a personal bond of KSh 1 million.
Speaking outside the court after Mwangi’s release, Advocate Ndegwa Njiru condemned what he termed as ongoing violations of the Constitution and an assault on the rule of law. He blamed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for allegedly weaponizing the legal system against critics of President William Ruto’s administration.
Hussein Khalid, a human rights defender also present at the court, stated, “We want to assure the government that we will continue our work of ensuring that the Constitution is protected and human rights are promoted.”
Boniface Mwangi was released on bond after pleading not guilty to the charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and three tear gas canisters. The case is scheduled for mention on 21st August 2025.
