President William Ruto's administration is facing backlash for using terrorism charges against anti-government protesters, a decision critics claim is intended to intimidate dissent amidst rising public discontent in Nairobi.

• Nearly 1,500 individuals have been arrested since June 2025, with dozens charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
• Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Haki Africa, condemned the labeling of protesters as terrorists as “dangerous.”
• Activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested and initially faced terrorism charges, later downgraded to illegal possession of ammunition.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has clarified its recent decisions to charge numerous protesters with terrorism following public backlash. The office asserts that these charges comply with the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

• 37 suspects were initially arrested for allegedly setting fire to the Kikuyu Law Courts.
• Director of Public Prosecution Renson Ingonga emphasized the charges were based on calculated acts of violence intended to disrupt government operations.
• The crackdown on protests began after the events of June 25 and July 7, 2025, with activists like Boniface Mwangi being involved in related incidents.

On July 19, 2025, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested on charges of terrorism and money laundering, which were later dropped in favor of unlicensed ammunition possession. His case has evoked memories of historical state repression against dissenters.

• Sh1 million bond set for Mwangi's release after he pleaded not guilty.
• Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned his arrest as an attack on democracy.
• Critics warn that using the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) for peaceful dissent is a dangerous abuse of power.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has justified its decision to file terrorism charges against suspects involved in violent protests on June 25 and July 7, stating that the charges relate to serious acts that threaten national security.

• Charges are based on evidence of “calculated and coordinated acts of violence” targeting public institutions.
• Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, criticize the move, arguing it suppresses political expression.
• The protests followed the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’ in police custody and included significant property destruction, such as the burning of the Kikuyu Law Courts.