Siaya Governor James Orengo on Sunday, July 30, condemned plans charge activist Boniface Mwangi with terrorism.
Orengo termed the move as ridiculous, arguing that terrorism charges against an activist was illogical. "By stretch of any tortured legal definition and factual foundation, it's ridiculous to charge Boniface Mwangi and our children who have demonstrated a high level of political consciousness with terrorism," Orengo claimed in a statement he shared on his official channels.
Mwangi was arrested on Saturday, July 19 at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, under unclear circumstances. Siaya Governor James Orengo speaks during a burial on Saturday, February 8, 2025 in South East Alego Photo James Orengo The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since released a statement, indicating that the activist was facing terrorism-related charges in connection to protests witnessed on June 25. "Boniface Mwangi was arrested yesterday, July 19, 2025, by detectives at his residence in Lukenya in Machakos County in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests," a statement from the DCI read.
But in a subtle rejoinder to the authorities and the State, Orengo, a renowned legal mind, claimed it did not make sense to criminalise or brand political action as terrorism. "Protected speech and political action should never be criminalised," the governor added.
