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Tag: June 25 protests

  • EXPLAINER: 9 offenses that constitute terrorism in Kenya

    EXPLAINER: 9 offenses that constitute terrorism in Kenya

    The decision by the government to press terrorism charges against suspects linked to violent incidents during the June 25 and July 7 deadly protests has elicited a wave of condemnation from opposition leaders, civil society groups and members of the public alike.

    However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has unapologetically defended the move, denying claims its  intended at suppressing political expression.

    “The charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act should be understood within the framework of established legal thresholds and national security imperatives rather than interpreted as efforts to suppress legitimate political expression,” ODPP averred in a two-page statement on Monday.

    “Preliminary investigations indicate that attacks on public officers, courts, police stations, and government personnel were not spontaneous demonstrations, but calculated and coordinated acts of violence.”

    According to the ODPP, such actions under Sections 2 and 4 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act “qualify” as acts of terrorism.

    So, what in essence constitutes an act of terrorism?

    In Kenya, as alluded to by the ODPP, a terrorist act is defined by the Prevention of Terrorism Act as any action or threat of action which;

    (i)involves violence against a person,

    (ii) endangers the life of a person, other than the person committing the action,

    (iii) creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public;

    (iv) results in serious damage to property;

    (v) involves the use of firearms or explosives;

    (vi) involves the release of any dangerous, hazardous, toxic or radioactive substance or microbial or other biological agent or toxin into the environment;

    (vii) interferes with an electronic system resulting in the disruption of the provision of communication, financial, transport or other essential services;

    (viii) interferes or disrupts the provision of essential or emergency services;

    (ix) prejudices national security or public safety; and

    (b) which is carried out with the aim of—

    (i) intimidating or causing fear amongst members of the public or a section of the public; or (ii) intimidating or compelling the Government or an international organization to do, or refrain from any act; or

    (iii) destabilizing the religious, political, Constitutional, economic or social institutions of a country, or an international organization: Provided that an act which disrupts any services and is committed in pursuance of a protest, demonstration or stoppage of work shall be deemed not to be a terrorist act within the meaning of this definition so long as the act is not intended to result in any harm.

     

  • Activist Boniface Mwangi expected in court

    Activist Boniface Mwangi expected in court

    Activist Boniface Mwangi is set to be arraigned in court Monday over alleged facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25 protests.

    According to a statement, Mwangi was arrested Saturday by detectives at his residence in Lukenya in Machakos County in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests.

    During the arrest, detectives recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks.

    “Mwangi is currently in custody at Pangani Police Station, where he is undergoing processing to be arraigned tomorrow, Monday, July 21, 2025, for offences related to facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition”, detectives said over the weekend.

    His detention triggered a wave of condemnation online, with the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi going viral.

  • DPP approves murder charges against police officer Klinzy Barasa

    DPP approves murder charges against police officer Klinzy Barasa

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved a murder charge against a police officer who allegedly murdered a mask vendor in Nairobi CBD.

    A 32-year-old police constable, Klinzy Barasa Masinde, appeared before Justice Kanyi Kimondo in Milimani High Court.

    He is alleged to have shot Boniface Kariuki on the 17th of June 2025 outside Imenti House, who later succumbed to the injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital.

    Justice Kimondo directed that the suspect be remanded at Nairobi Remand Prison and undergo mental assessment before he is charged with murder.

    The suspect is expected to be presented to court on 28th July 2025 for plea taking.

    Boniface Kariuki, passed away on Monday afternoon, June 30, just a day after he was declared brain dead. He will be buried at his rural home in Kangema, Murang’a County.

    During his requiem mass held on Wednesday at the Holy Family Basilica, mourners eulogised him as a law-abiding and hardworking Kenyan.

    They called for justice for their son and an end to extra-judicial killings.

    He will be laid to rest on Friday, July 11
  • Fertiliser looted from NCPB Depot during protests recovered, 8 arrested

    Fertiliser looted from NCPB Depot during protests recovered, 8 arrested

    Eight suspects have been arrested and part of more than 7354 stolen bags of fertiliser recovered following the violent looting and vandalism of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Maua, Meru County, last week.

    Authorities believe the raid was politically motivated and have since ordered all NCPB depots nationwide to install CCTV systems to deter similar incidents.

    According to DCIO Maua, Alex Wasike, the looters used motorbikes and Probox vehicles to transport the stolen goods, some of which have been recovered.

    Depot Manager Abednego Sangolo revealed that the damage exceeded Ksh 29 million, as the depot’s office was torched and equipment vandalised.

    “The looters torched the depot’s main office, stole office stationery, cereals, and vandalised the mobile seed dryer,” he said.

    OCPD Eliakim Silgich of Igembe South noted that while police responded quickly, they were overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowd. “Such atrocious attacks in the future will be met with equal force. There is no room for anarchy,” he said.

    Local farmers and community members have condemned the attack, warning that it undermines critical government support programs in the region.

    The arrests and recovery efforts are ongoing as security agencies pursue more suspects and assess the full extent of the damage.

  • Lobby condemns violence during protests, urges calm and respect for human rights

    Lobby condemns violence during protests, urges calm and respect for human rights

    Action for Sustainable Change (AFOSC-Kenya) has condemned the violence reported in parts of the country during the June 25 anniversary demonstrations.

    In a statement issued Thursday, the lobby called for calm and restraint from both the protestors and security forces.

    The organisation expressed concern over the loss, fear, and disruption caused during the protests, noting that violence only serves to deepen divisions and stall meaningful solutions.

    “We urge all citizens to remain calm and peaceful. Violence only deepens divisions and delays solutions,” the statement read in part.

    AFOSC-Kenya further called on police and other security agencies to exercise professionalism and avoid excessive force in their response to protests and demonstrations.

    “Security operations must be guided by professionalism, restraint, and respect for the rule of law,” the group said, urging authorities to respect human rights in handling the current situation.

    The organisation further called on all stakeholders including government officials, religious leaders, and communities to work collaboratively to defuse tensions and foster unity.

    “Let us choose peace, uphold dialogue, and protect the dignity of every Kenyan,” the statement concluded.

  • Protests: NPSC warns police against excess force, urges lawful conduct

    Protests: NPSC warns police against excess force, urges lawful conduct

    The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has called for professionalism, restraint, and mutual respect as June 25 anniversary demonstrations continue to unfold across the country.

    In a statement issued Wednesday, the Commission called for lawful and peaceful expression of grievances while cautioning against violence and destruction of property.

    “The Commission reaffirms the constitutional right of every Kenyan to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition peacefully, as guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, and as reinforced by regional and international human rights instruments,” NPSC CEO Peter Leley stated.

    NPSC urged demonstrators to maintain dignity and refrain from acts that may endanger lives or property.

    “Let your voices be heard through constructive and non-destructive means.”

    The Commission also called on police officers to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and act within the confines of the law even in the face of provocation.

    “You bear the solemn responsibility of maintaining law and order while safeguarding the rights and lives of all persons, including protestors,” NPSC stated.

    The Commission further appealed to the general public and business community to exercise caution and avoid protest-prone areas.

    “Peaceful engagement and mutual respect are the bedrock of national cohesion and democratic maturity,” NPSC noted, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide direction where necessary.

  • CA orders TV, radio stations to stop live coverage of protests

    CA orders TV, radio stations to stop live coverage of protests

    The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has directed all television and radio stations to immediately stop live coverage of the ongoing June 25 demonstrations, warning that such broadcasts contravene constitutional and regulatory provisions.

    In a circular dated June 25, 2025, addressed to all broadcast stations, the Authority stated that airing live footage of the protests is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.

    “The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025 demonstrations are contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” said CA Director General David Mugonyi.

    “This is therefore to direct all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith.”

    Mugonyi cautioned that failure to abide by the directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.