The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dropped terror-related charges initially announced against activist Boniface Mwangi, following his arrest on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Mwangi, who appeared before the Kahawa Magistrates Court on Monday, was expected to face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
According to the charge sheet, Mwangi is accused of possessing noxious substances—specifically three tear gas canisters—without lawful authority, contrary to Section 26 (1)(c) as read with Section 26(2)(b) of the Firearms Act, Cap 114 Laws of Kenya.
The second charge alleges that Mwangi was in possession of one round of 7.62x51mm blank ammunition without a valid firearm certificate, contrary to Section 26(1) as read with Section 26(2)(a) of the Firearms Act.
The activist pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Mwangi was arrested at his Lukenya home in Machakos County by DCI officers, who claimed he was involved in coordinating and financing acts considered terrorism under Kenyan law.
Detectives also linked him to the June 25 anti-government protests, during which several people were killed, property destroyed, and security officers injured.
During the raid, detectives reported seizing nine external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six cheque books, and copies of stamp duty documents.
They also claimed to have recovered two unused tear gas canisters from his Hurlingham-based Mageuzi Hub and one blank round of ammunition.
However, Mwangi’s lawyer, Njanja Maina, dismissed the allegations, calling them fabricated. “This is a scheme to frame my client on terrorism-related claims,” he said.
