Boniface Mwangi addresses supporters after his release
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 21, 2025Photojournalist and activist Boniface Mwangi has come out to address his supporters after being released by the court on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Immediately after his release, he was received by a group of supporters who, upon seeing him, broke into celebrations and cheers. Mwangi was in the company of his wife, who had a Kenyan flag scarf interlaced around her neck. Boniface Mwangi also held a Kenyan flag as he approached his supporters.
In a loud voice, Boniface said, “I am a free man,” which sent the whole crowd into a frenzy, delighted to see him with his flag up in the air.
“I am a free man. I am back to my family,” he added.
Throughout this period, his wife held his hand.
While in court
Similar scenes were witnessed during Boniface Mwangi’s arraignment, where the photojournalist and activist made a bold statement inside the courtroom.
Clad in determination, Mwangi held his Kenyan flag high, chanting anti-government slogans, including “Ruto must go”, drawing attention from all corners of the courtroom. which was already filled with his supporters wanting to have a glimpse of the case, with them chanting back in unison
Despite being locked up in a caged cell inside the Kahawa Law Courts, Mwangi’s defiance did not waver. His chants echoed across the courtroom, disrupting proceedings and momentarily bringing the court to a standstill.
Human rights groups
This comes moments after human rights groups have condemned the arrest and charging of activist Boniface Mwangi with possession of ammunition without a valid licence.
In a joint statement on Monday, July 21, 2025, over 20 groups castigated the state over the charges, noting that the arrest and arraignment were a calculated move to intimidate lawful dissent.
“Boniface Mwangi is not a terrorist. Predictably, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to proceed with charges of terrorism and money-laundering allegations initiated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The charges of possession of ammunition without a valid licence will be argued by the robust defence team,” the groups said.
Weeks of disinformation
The rights groups also say that Mwangi’s arrest follows weeks of disinformation targeting himand other human rights defenders.
“His arrest follows weeks of coordinated, well-funded online disinformation campaigns targeting Boniface Mwangi, members of the Police Reforms Working Group, human rights defenders, and opposition parties. These actions appear to be part of a broader effort to intimidate lawful dissent and those committed to upholding the rule of law,” the statement reads.
“We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order in more than 100 other cases. This practice undermines Kenya’s criminal justice system and jeopardises critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.”