Boniface Mwangi, a well-known human rights activist and photojournalist in Kenya, was arrested on the morning of July 19, at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County. According to his family and fellow activists, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrived unannounced, conducted a search, and detained Mwangi in connection with the anti-government protests that swept across Kenya in late June.

“He was picked up without any formal charge being read out,” said Njeri Mwangi, his wife, speaking to reporters shortly after the arrest. “They claim he is involved in terrorism and arson. But we know Boniface – he’s spent his life championing justice. My children had to watch their father dragged away.”

Police later confirmed Mwangi is being held at Pangani Police Station. According to authorities, he is under investigation for allegedly facilitating terrorist activities during the nationwide protests on June 25, which resulted in multiple deaths and widespread property damage. Officials have not disclosed the exact nature of the charges, but sources within the investigation say evidence collected includes electronic devices, assorted ammunition, and tear gas canisters allegedly found during searches at his residence and office in Nairobi.

The arrest comes at a politically tense moment in Kenya. Mwangi had just filed a case at the East African Court of Justice a day earlier, challenging what he called unlawful cross-border operations against political dissidents. That suit specifically names Tanzanian law enforcement, who Mwangi accuses of orchestrating the abduction and torture of Kenyan citizens, including himself, on Tanzanian soil. The proximity of this filing to his arrest has raised questions among legal experts and civil society organizations.

“He has been a vocal opponent of impunity regionally,” said Hussein Khalid, executive director of HAKI Africa, a human rights organization based in Mombasa. “It is deeply concerning that just 24 hours after initiating legal proceedings against states in the region, he was taken into custody on vague terror-related charges.”

Police representatives have been cautious in their public statements. A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that Mwangi is being investigated for a range of possible offenses beyond terrorism, including incitement to violence, robbery with violence, and money laundering. The officer noted that these are preliminary matters and said the court would be in a better position to clarify the charges during Mwangi’s scheduled arraignment on Monday, July 21.

Kenya’s National Police Service has yet to issue a formal statement detailing the legal grounds for the arrest or the evidence linking Mwangi to any criminal activity. In the absence of official information, human rights defenders have voiced fears that the case may be part of a broader effort to intimidate activists and quell dissent following weeks of unrest.

Mwangi, known for his fearless activism and photography documenting post-election violence in 2007–2008, has been a frequent critic of governments across East Africa. His work has earned him international acclaim and, at times, drawn the ire of powerful political figures.

“He’s a loud voice, yes,” said a close associate who asked not to be named. “But Kenya needs those voices—especially when youth are being shot in the streets just for protesting. Charging Boniface with terrorism isn’t just a stretch; it’s a message.”

As of Saturday evening, lawyers acting on his behalf said they had not yet been granted full access to their client. Court proceedings on Monday are expected to provide further insight into the evidence and nature of the charges against him. In the meantime, supporters have begun mobilizing online, calling for his immediate release and urging transparency in the legal process.

“We are watching closely,” said Khalid. “Justice must be served – not just for Boniface, but to protect the right to dissent in this country.”