On Sunday, July 30, Siaya Governor James Orengo blasted intentions to charge activist Boniface Mwangi with terrorism.
Orengo called the move ludicrous, claiming that terrorist charges against an activist were nonsensical.
“By stretch of any tortured legal definition and factual foundation, it’s ridiculous to charge Boniface Mwangi and our children who have demonstrated a high level of political consciousness with terrorism,” Orengo claimed in a statement he shared on his official channels.
Mwangi was arrested on Saturday, July 19, at his residence in Lukenya, Machakos County, for unknown reasons.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since issued a statement saying that the activist is facing terrorism-related charges in connection with the events on June 25.
“Boniface Mwangi was arrested yesterday, July 19, 2025, by detectives at his residence in Lukenya in Machakos County in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests,” a statement from the DCI read.
However, in a subtle rebuttal to the police and the state, Orengo, a well-known legal genius, maintained that criminalizing or labeling political action as terrorism made no sense.
“Protected speech and political action should never be criminalised,” the governor added.
Mwangi was loud against the government on social media in the run-up to the June 25 protests, urging the public to turn out in large numbers to honor youth slain in anti-government rallies a year ago.
The DCI stated on Sunday that among the things discovered in Mwangi’s possession were two unused tear gas canisters and one 7.62mm blank bullet.The protester’s legal team, however, has denied these allegations, accusing the authorities of fabricating evidence to accuse the activist of more serious accusations.
The government has been determined to crack down on those perceived to be the primary perpetrators of the disruption, with a number of suspects, in addition to Boniface Mwangi, facing terrorist charges.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) revealed on Wednesday that eight suspects accused of masterminding the torching of the Mawego Police Station had been charged with terrorism, and their case will be heard again on July 22.In the hours following his arrest, civil groups condemned Boniface Mwangi’s detention and demanded his unconditional release without prosecution.
Mwangi, meanwhile, is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, July 21, to hear the formal allegations brought against him.
