Lawyer: Boniface Mwangi did not possess tear gas canisters, spent bullet

Activist Boniface Mwangi was not in possession of two tear gas canisters and a spent bullet as alleged by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, his lawyer says.

Mwangi’s lawyer, Njanja Maina said claims of recovery of two unused tear gas canisters and one blank round of 7.62mm ammunition are false and that it is a scheme to charge him with terrorism.

DCI boss Amin Mohammed confirmed the arrest of activist Mwangi saying his arrest is linked to allegations of facilitating terrorist activities during the protests held on June 25.

Mwangi is currently being held at Pangani Police station and will be arraigned on Monday, July 21.

Speaking on Sunday during a press brief held at Pangani Police Station, Mwangi’s lawyer said he is well and are ready to fight for justice.

“There is a statement that was made today on social media by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, that there are items that were picked from his office or where it was. Two tear gas canisters and a spent bullet,” Maina said.

 “We confirm and state with no uncertainty that those are things that Boniface Mwangi did not have in his possession or in his office. We do not know why they are saying now that they are coming up with terrorism charges but we will deal with it head on.”

Detectives who arrested the activist at his Lukenya home in Machakos said they recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks from his residence.

“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 DCI said on Sunday.

He was then taken to his office at Mageuzi Hub on Rose Avenue in Hurlingham where a thorough search at the premises allegedly 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 cheque books, and copies of stamp duty documents.

He is expected to face charges related to the facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition.