The Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) [reported](https://x.com/DCI_Kenya/status/1946803722325037517) on Sunday that Boniface Mwangi, a noted human rights activist, was apprehended at his home for allegedly "facilitating terrorist activities" during a youth-led demonstration on June 26. Prior to his arrest, Mwangi took legal action, [filing](https://x.com/thekhrc/status/1946201231912808830/photo/1) a lawsuit against the governments of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, accusing them of torture and various human rights violations.

The International Commission of Jurists in Kenya (ICJ Kenya) issued a [statement](https://x.com/ICJKenya/status/1946933445931774322/photo/2) expressing steadfast support for Kenya's youth, rights defenders, and civil society, who persist in their advocacy despite facing intimidation.

Just days before his detention, Mwangi sought justice at the East African Court of Justice for the [torture and deportation](https://x.com/bonifacemwangi/status/1929584845836959758) he and his colleague Agather Atuhaire endured in May. The court, while not having jurisdiction over human rights issues, is pivotal in the enforcement of the East African Community Treaty, highlighting the significance of the forthcoming legal proceedings. Both activists are demanding compensation of at least one million US dollars for the abuses suffered.

In a distressing episode on May 19, Mwangi and Atuhaire were detained and reportedly subjected to torture and sexual abuse by Tanzanian authorities while they attempted to monitor the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. This incident drew condemnation from the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and a call from the US Department of State for a thorough investigation, citing violations of the [African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights](https://www.oas.org/en/sla/dil/docs/African_Charter_Human_Peoples_Rights.pdf).

After being deported to Kenya, Mwangi continued his activism and media work. In late June, his participation in widespread youth protests highlighted public discontent with the authoritarian tendencies of President William Ruto's administration. These protests saw severe clashes with law enforcement, leading to numerous injuries and arrests. Mwangi was vocal during these events, condemning police brutality and accusing politicians of undermining peaceful demonstrations by [hiring goons](https://x.com/bonifacemwangi/status/1938975254321471653).

The Civic Freedom Forum has demanded Mwangi's [immediate release](https://x.com/cff_kenya/status/1947005674979840341), stating, "Today it is Boniface Mwangi. Tomorrow it could be a student. A teacher. A mother. A me. This moment is a mirror to Kenya’s soul. Do we want a country that fears its citizens or one that listens to them?"

Boniface Mwangi, a journalist, politician, and activist, first gained attention through his [photographic work](https://web.archive.org/web/20200727022807/https:/risenetworks.org/yotw/youth-of-the-month-boniface-mwangi/) documenting the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya. He has been a persistent critic of the government, actively participating in and organizing protests, including those against controversial tax increases affecting the underprivileged.

The full article on Boniface Mwangi’s recent arrest can be found on [JURIST - News](https://www.jurist.org/news).