Court gives DCI 14 days to complete forensic analysis of Boniface Mwangi’s devices

A Kahawa court has given the State 14 days to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete forensic analysis of electronic devices belonging to human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, who faces charges related to alleged unlawful possession of ammunition.

Magistrate Gideon Kiage issued the ruling on Thursday following a prosecution request for more time to examine items seized from Mwangi during his arrest on July 19, 2025.

Mwangi was apprehended in connection with one blank bullet and two unused teargas canisters allegedly found in his possession, charges which he has denied.

He was released shortly afterwards on a Sh1 million personal bond.

During the proceedings, the prosecution told the court that investigators needed additional time to review the activist’s electronic devices, arguing that the findings could be central to the case.

Mwangi, through his lawyer Lempaa Suyianka, opposed the lengthy timeline, saying the delay had caused significant disruption to his life and activities.

He urged the court to impose a shorter period for the investigations.

In his ruling, Magistrate Kiage emphasised the importance of timely progress, cautioning the prosecution that failure to present a conclusive report within the given timeframe would compel the court to order the return of the devices to Mwangi.

“The issue in the report is peddled upon the electronic devices. So if the report is not here, then it should be here. Let’s have mention in 14 days,” he directed.

Mwangi was initially expected to face terror-related charges preferred by DCI, but these were later dropped.

According to a charge sheet seen by The Star, Mwangi now faces two counts.

The first is 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 charge reads.

The second count is possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate, contrary to Section 26(1)(i) 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 7.62x51mm blank ammunition without lawful authority,” the second charge states.

The case is expected back in court on September 4, 2025, when the prosecution will update the court on the status of the forensic analysis.