Boniface Mwangi’s Terrorism Charges Condemned by Siaya Governor Orengo

 

By Victor Maiyo

Siaya Governor James Orengo has launched a scathing criticism against the Kenyan government following the arrest and terrorism charges levelled against renowned activist Boniface Mwangi.

In a strongly worded statement issued Sunday, Governor Orengo termed the charges as “completely unreasonable” and “ridiculous,” questioning the rationale behind linking Mwangi and other politically active youth to terrorism.

“By stretch of any tortured legal definition and factual foundation, it’s ridiculous to charge Boniface Mwangi and our children who have demonstrated a high level of political consciousness with terrorism,” Orengo said through his official social media accounts.

Mwangi was arrested on the morning of Saturday, July 19, at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, under circumstances that have since drawn public concern. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) later confirmed the arrest, stating that Mwangi was being held in connection with the protests that rocked the country on June 25.

“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,” the DCI said in its statement.

However, Orengo, a senior counsel and longtime human rights defender, dismissed the government's claims and warned against the criminalisation of political dissent. “Protected speech and political action should never be criminalised,” he said.

Prior to the June 25 demonstrations, Mwangi had been actively mobilising Kenyans on social media, calling for mass action to commemorate young protesters who were killed during similar demonstrations the previous year.

Authorities allege that two unused tear gas canisters and a 7.62mm blank round were recovered from Mwangi’s residence during his arrest. But his legal team has vehemently denied the claims, alleging that the evidence was planted in an attempt to frame him.

The government appears to be widening its crackdown on those it suspects of organising recent civil unrest. According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), eight people accused of torching the Mawego Police Station have already been charged with terrorism. Their case is set to continue on Monday, July 22.

Mwangi’s arrest has sparked backlash from human rights groups, who have called for his immediate and unconditional release. Critics argue that the state is using broad anti-terror laws to stifle political dissent and intimidate civil society actors.