DCI: Why Boniface Mwangi was arrested
Renowned Kenyan activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi is in police custody following his arrest on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at his residence in Lukenya, Machakos County.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Mwangi in connection with claims of facilitating terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, anti-government protests.
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Mwangi, known for his activism and role in documenting Kenya’s social and political struggles, was taken to Pangani Police Station in Nairobi, where he is being held pending arraignment on Monday, July 21, 2025. The arrest has drawn significant public attention given Mwangi’s profile and the broader political climate surrounding the recent demonstrations.
Detective’s operation
According to the DCI, the arrest followed a targeted operation at Mwangi’s home. Detectives recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks during the initial search. Mwangi was then escorted to his office at Mageuzi Hub on Rose Avenue, Hurlingham, where police conducted a second search.
During the office operation, investigators seized nine assorted external hard drives, two additional laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six chequebooks, and copies of stamp duty documents. Also recovered were two unused tear gas canisters and one 7.62 mm blank round. Authorities say these items will be part of the evidence presented in court.
“During the arrest, detectives recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks. He was later escorted to his office at Mageuzi Hub, Rose Avenue in Hurlingham, where a search led to the recovery of nine assorted external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six chequebooks, copies of stamp duty documents, two unused tear gas canisters, and one 7.62 mm blank round,” read the DCI X post dated July 20, 2025.
The DCI confirmed the details in an official statement, saying, “Boniface Mwangi was arrested yesterday, July 19, 2025, by detectives at his residence in Lukenya in Machakos County in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests.”
Charges pending
Mwangi is expected to face charges of facilitating terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition. The DCI statement outlined the next steps: “Mwangi is currently in custody at Pangani Police Station, where he is undergoing processing to be arraigned tomorrow, Monday, July 21, 2025, for offences related to facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition.”
The arrest comes amid heightened tensions over the June 25 protests, which have sparked national debate on security, activism, and the limits of lawful assembly in Kenya.
As of Sunday morning, July 20, 2025, Mwangi remains in detention awaiting his court appearance.
