Police seek to detain Boniface Mwangi for an additional 21 days

Activist Boniface Mwangi being arrested during a past protest

Police Seek 21 Days to Detain Boniface Mwangi

Protests in Nairobi CBD Lead to Arrests

Detectives request 21 days to detain activist Boniface Mwangi. They also seek to hold three others arrested on Thursday. The arrests occurred during protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

Court Appearance for Detained Activists

Mwangi, along with Robert Otieno, Albert Wambugu, Pablo Chacha, and Erot Franco, appeared at Milimani Law Courts on Friday morning. The court considered a miscellaneous application requesting more time for their detention.

Accusations Against the Activists

Authorities accuse the group of unlawful assembly. They also charge them with creating a disturbance likely to breach peace and false publication. According to court documents, the incident happened on July 25, 2024, around 11:30 AM. The respondents allegedly blocked Koinange Street with a white coffin and seven white crosses inscribed with names, causing inconvenience to road users.

Investigations and Confiscations

The investigating officer, in a supporting affidavit, informed the court about ongoing investigations. They need to establish the source of the white coffin and crosses. Additionally, they must identify the financiers behind the protest materials. Police confiscated the suspects’ mobile phones, which will undergo cyber forensic analysis.

Concerns About Release and Investigation Integrity

The prosecution expressed concerns about the suspects’ places of abode. They argue that releasing them may jeopardize the investigation. Therefore, the investigating officer requested the court to issue custodial orders. These orders would allow holding the respondents in custody for 21 days to complete the investigation.

Court to Rule on Application

The court will rule on the miscellaneous application at 3 PM today. Stay updated with the latest developments on this case by following Citizen Digital.