Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has sharply criticized the arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi, terming it part of a calculated effort by the state to clamp down on dissenting voices.

In a detailed statement issued Saturday, July 19, the former Defense Cabinet Secretary alleged that the operation at Mwangi’s residence and offices was not an isolated incident, but rather the latest phase in what he described as a systematic campaign to instill fear among opposition figures, civil society, and government critics.

“It began with the arrest of Gen Z protesters, some of whom were slapped with terrorism charges. Then came elected leaders MCAs and MPs like Hon. Jayne Kihara and now it’s targeting prominent activists and opposition leaders,” Wamalwa said.

He insisted that such intimidation would not derail efforts to challenge President William Ruto’s administration, reiterating the opposition’s goal to ensure the head of state serves only one term in office.

“No matter the abductions, arbitrary arrests, trumped-up charges, or state-sponsored violence, the people remain resolute. This reign of fear is nearing its end,” Wamalwa declared.

Mwangi’s wife, Njeri Mwangi, revealed that plainclothes individuals believed to be police officers stormed their Lukenya home known as Courage Base on Saturday morning.

In a video shared on social media platform X, she said the men accused her husband of involvement in terrorism and arson before taking him away.

“They have taken Boniface, his gadgets, and claimed he’s being taken to DCI headquarters. They’re accusing him of terrorism and arson. I can’t breathe,” she posted.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) was among the first to condemn the arrest, calling it unlawful and politically motivated. The rights body demanded Mwangi’s immediate release and warned against the growing trend of criminalizing activism.

The DCI has since confirmed Mwangi's arrest, saying the vocal activist is in custody in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests.

During the arrest, detectives recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, several notebooks, tear gas cannisters and a blank round.

"He was later escorted to his office at Mageuzi Hub, Rose Avenue in Hurlingham, where a search led to the recovery of: nine assorted external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six cheque books, copies of stamp duty documents, two unused tear gas canisters and one 7.62mm blank round," says the DCI in a statement.