Renowned Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi faces charges linked to protests last month, authorities said Sunday, a day after his arrest.
At least 19 people died during the June 25 demonstrations against President William Ruto’s administration, which were held in remembrance of victims of police violence from another major protest a year earlier.
Mwangi was detained at his home near Nairobi and is being held at a police station in the capital. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday, Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated in an online post.
The activist has denied the allegations, declaring in a statement shared by supporters: “I am not a terrorist.”
His arrest prompted widespread criticism on social media, with the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trending.
According to a search warrant obtained by police, which was shared with journalists by an associate, Mwangi is accused of funding individuals to provoke chaos during last month’s protests.
Investigators reported seizing two mobile phones, a laptop, and notebooks from his residence in Lukenya, east of Nairobi, as well as hard drives, additional computers, unused teargas canisters, and an empty firearm cartridge from his office in the capital.
Since the protests began last year, Ruto’s government has faced growing scrutiny over alleged abductions and excessive police force. Rights organizations claim more than 100 people have been killed amid the crackdown on demonstrations.
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