DPP Ingonga and DCI Mohamed…Photo/courtesy.
By IP | July 22, 2025 | Nairobi
NAIROBI, Kenya — The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Monday dropped terrorism charges against human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, bowing to intensifying public pressure in what many viewed as a rare victory for civic outrage amid a rising tide of repression.
The move followed a week of national uproar over what critics described as “bizarre and politically motivated” accusations brought by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) against Mwangi and dozens of other peaceful demonstrators.
“The public has spoken, and they have spoken clearly,” said activist Njoki Mwariri outside the Milimani Law Courts. “You can’t label protest as terrorism and expect the public to sit still. We’re not fools.”
In a late evening statement, the DPP defended the initial decision to charge Mwangi under Kenya’s Anti-Terrorism Act, saying it was based on intelligence provided by the DCI.
“We were guided by the evidence presented,” the statement said in part — a remark critics dismissed as tone-deaf and evasive.
For many, the withdrawal of charges only deepened suspicions that the case lacked legal merit.
Observers said it appeared to be part of a broader campaign by state institutions to intimidate outspoken critics of President William Ruto’s administration amid a wave of youth-led protests.
Mwangi, known for his vocal advocacy and history of confronting authoritarianism, was arrested alongside dozens of protesters during recent demonstrations over the high cost of living and alleged police brutality.
His case quickly became a symbol of what observers call the criminalization of dissent in Kenya.
“Once the DCI’s terrorism narrative crumbled, it became obvious that this was about politics, not justice,” said constitutional lawyer Martha Muriithi. “The law cannot be stretched to punish thought, speech or assembly. That’s a dangerous road.”
Pressure is now mounting on the DPP to drop similar charges against the remaining 37 protesters — many of them young Kenyans involved in the “Occupy Parliament” and “RutoMustGo” demonstrations.
On social media, especially among Gen Z activists, the mood was defiant. The hashtag #DropAllCharges trended nationwide as users demanded accountability from both the DPP and the DCI.
“Boniface Mwangi walked because the people roared,” read one viral tweet. “Now drop the charges against the rest — or face more protests.”
Legal experts warned that using terrorism laws to silence protest is not only unconstitutional but undermines efforts to combat legitimate threats to national security.
Under Kenyan law, terrorism charges allow extended detention — up to 90 days without trial — compared to 14 days for ordinary offenses, raising concerns about potential abuse.
The DPP and DCI are now under growing scrutiny. Civil society groups are calling for parliamentary inquiries into what they describe as a coordinated effort to weaponize the criminal justice system.
“This episode has not only embarrassed the DCI and the ODPP but exposed just how deeply state institutions are being used to stifle democracy,” said political analyst Eric Mutua. “It’s a crisis of legitimacy.”
With public trust eroding and protests gaining momentum, the government faces a pivotal choice: back away from repressive tactics or risk further alienating a restless population.
As Boniface Mwangi walked out of court — unbowed and unapologetic — his parting words to the crowd captured the national mood:
“They called me a terrorist because I dared to speak. You, the people, proved them wrong. Never stop speaking.”
Peter Mwibanda is a political and legal affairs blogger. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @PeterMwibanda.
