Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was released on bail on Monday following his arrest on Saturday, charged with unlawful possession of tear gas canisters and a single 7.62mm blank round.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in antigovernment protests that have rocked Kenya since last year, initially sparked by opposition to tax increases and later escalating into demands for President William Ruto’s resignation.
Police raided Mwangi’s home, recovering unused tear gas canisters, a laptop, two mobile phones, and notebooks, according to a charge sheet reported by Reuters.
Mwangi, a former photojournalist known for his anti-corruption stance, denied the accusations, stating to reporters, “They have no evidence,” and calling the prosecution “a big shame.”
Kenya has faced widespread unrest, with protests met by heavy police crackdowns, resulting in significant casualties.
Rights groups report over 100 deaths during these demonstrations, including at least 31 killed in a single crackdown this month and 19 in June, highlighting allegations of police brutality and abductions of government critics.
Mwangi’s arrest, which police linked to “facilitating terrorist acts” during June’s protests, sparked outrage online, with the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trending widely.
A coalition of 37 rights organizations condemned the arrest, describing it as an “unjustified terrorism allegation” and an attempt to suppress dissent, warning of a broader assault on Kenya’s democracy.
The courtroom was filled with hundreds of activists, some draped in Kenyan flags, showing solidarity with Mwangi during his bail hearing.
His lawyer expressed gratitude for the court’s decision to grant bail, as reported by Reuters.
Mwangi’s history of activism extends beyond Kenya; he was arrested in Tanzania in May for supporting a treason-accused opposition leader, later alleging torture and abuse by Tanzanian police.
The case, now before the East African Court of Justice, underscores Mwangi’s regional influence as an advocate for justice and accountability.Kenyan