Kenya charges ‘People’s Watchman’ due to fatal demonstrations
(MENAFN) Kenyan rights activist Boniface Mwangi, known as ‘The People’s Watchman,’ has been charged with illegal possession of ammunition in connection with last month’s deadly protests, part of a broader government crackdown on anti-state demonstrations. Mwangi was arrested over the weekend at his home in Lukenya, near Nairobi. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced that during searches, authorities seized mobile phones, a laptop, notebooks, hard drives, computers, unused tear gas canisters, and a blank firearm round from his office.
Mwangi faces charges of facilitating terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition. On Monday, he appeared in a Nairobi courtroom filled with supporters. Court documents, shared by CNN correspondent Larry Madowo, state that Mwangi was found in possession of three tear gas canisters without legal permission.
The court granted Mwangi a personal bond of approximately $7,700, allowing him to be released on condition he complies with the bond terms.
The protests, which erupted following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody, resulted in at least 19 deaths nationwide in June, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Ojwang’s death coincided with the anniversary of youth-led protests against a controversial finance bill, which was later withdrawn. Six people, including three police officers, have been charged with Ojwang’s murder but have pleaded not guilty. Earlier this month, nearly 40 more people died during further protests, KNCHR reports.
President William Ruto described Ojwang’s death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” but condemned the violent protests as acts of war. He ordered law enforcement to shoot anyone found burning businesses or property in the legs.
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