Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly condemned the arrest of renowned civil rights activist Boniface Mwangi, terming it an attack on freedom of expression, justice, and democratic dissent in Kenya.

Mwangi was arrested on Saturday at his Lukenya home in Machakos County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Authorities claim his arrest is linked to alleged involvement in facilitating the violent anti-government protests of June 25, which left dozens dead, property damaged, and law enforcement injured.

Police have charged Mwangi under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, citing materials recovered during raids on his home and office, including laptops, hard drives, company seals, a tear gas canister, and a blank 7.62mm round. He is currently being held at Pangani Police Station and is expected to be arraigned on Monday, July 21.

Kalonzo, speaking via his official social media platforms, called the arrest a reflection of the government’s growing intolerance toward dissent and a “rogue, criminal regime.” He announced that opposition legal teams had been instructed to pursue Mwangi’s immediate release.

“I will never join this rogue and criminal regime, and I refuse to participate in any type of dialogue with a regime that has our children’s blood on its hands,” Kalonzo stated. “I strongly condemn the arrest of civil rights activist Boniface Mwangi.”

The arrest has sparked an outcry from civil society groups and human rights organizations, who accuse the government of weaponizing anti-terrorism laws to silence activists and criminalize peaceful protest.

Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa, said they are monitoring the situation closely and working with lawyers to clarify the charges Mwangi faces.

Mwangi’s wife, Njeri Mwangi, also posted about the arrest on X, saying officers mentioned “terrorism and arson” as they seized his devices and took him away. “They’ve taken his gadgets and said they’re taking him to DCI Headquarters. I can’t breathe,” she wrote.

A longtime critic of government overreach and a central figure in Kenya’s civil society, Boniface Mwangi’s arrest marks a significant escalation in the state’s handling of youth-led unrest and demands for accountability in recent weeks.