DCI drops terror charge against Boniface Mwangi

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dropped the terror related charges preferred against activist Boniface Mwangi following his arrest on Saturday.

In a charge sheet seen by the Star, Mwangi now faces two charges, one being in possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate contrary to section 26 (1)(c) as read with section 26(2)(b) of the Firearms Act, Cap 114 Laws of Kenya.

“On 19th July, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub, in Nairobi County within the Republic of Kenya, you were found in possession of noxious substances, to wit three teargas canisters without lawful authority,” the first charged reads.

Mwangi is also accused of being in possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate contrary to section 26(1) (1) as read with section 26 (2)(a) of the Firearms Act Cap 114 Laws of Kenya.

“On 19th July, 2025 at Mageuzi Hub, in Nairobi County within the Republic of Kenya, you were found in possession of one round of a 7.62x51mm blank ammunition without lawful authority.”

The activist appeared before the Kahawa Magistrates Court, where he was expected to face terror-related charges as announced by the DCI on Sunday.

Mwangi was arrested at his Lukenya home in Machakos County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

They said the arrest was in connection with his suspected involvement in the coordination and facilitation of acts deemed to constitute terrorism under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Detectives said they recovered several electronic devices and documents during the operation at home. They also said two unused teargas canisters were recovered from his office at Mageuzi Hub in Hurlingham, as well as one blank round of 7.62mm ammunition.

Also found were nine assorted 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.

Authorities alleged that Mwangi played a key logistical and financial role in the June 25 protests, during which scores were killed, public property was destroyed, and security officers were injured.

He was detained at Pangani Police Station, in Nairobi.

Mwangi’s lawyer, Njanja Maina on Sunday dismissed claims of recovery of two unused tear gas canisters and one blank round of 7.62mm ammunition as false and that it is a scheme to charge him with terrorism.

Speaking on Sunday during a press brief held at Pangani Police Station, the lawyer said he is well and are ready to fight for justice.

“We confirm and state with no uncertainty that those are things that Boniface Mwangi did not have in his possession or in his office. We do not know why they are saying now that they are coming up with terrorism charges but we will deal with it head-on,” Maina said.