Kenyan rights activist accused of illegally possessing ammunition was released on bond

Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan human rights activist known for his significant involvement in anti-government protests, was released on bail on Monday following charges related to the possession of teargas canisters and a single rifle round discovered in his residence.

Kenyan activists have been increasingly concerned about the arrests of government critics following the death of a political blogger in custody in June, which sparked weeks of violent protests resulting in approximately 50 fatalities.

Authorities apprehended Mwangi, 42, on Saturday, reporting the recovery of unused teargas canisters, a “7.62mm blank round,” two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks.

Mwangi was “found in possession of noxious substances, specifically three teargas canisters, without lawful authority,” as stated in a charge sheet reviewed by Reuters. He faced allegations regarding the unlawful possession of a solitary round of blank ammunition.

The courtroom was filled with a multitude of activists, many adorned in Kenyan flags.

“They possess no evidence,” Mwangi stated to reporters, characterizing his prosecution as “a significant disgrace”.

The lawyer expressed gratitude to the court for its decision to grant Mwangi bail.

Mwangi, who previously campaigned for parliament on a platform opposing corruption, has established a reputation for advocating against human rights abuses both in Kenya and internationally. In May, he was expelled from neighboring Tanzania, where he had gone to observe a hearing in a treason case involving an opposition figure.

In the previous month, numerous Kenyans gathered in the streets to demonstrate against the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Initially, the police suggested that Ojwang had died by suicide; however, they later issued an apology after an autopsy revealed that his injuries indicated assault as the cause of death.

The protests following Ojwang’s death have rekindled the demonstrations that began last year regarding the rising cost of living, as well as accusations of police brutality and corruption.