The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has come under heavy criticism following the arrest of human rights activist Boniface Mwangi on Saturday.

Kenyans flooded social media platforms to express outrage after the DCI posted an update on Mwangi’s arrest at his Lukenya home. 

By the time of going to press, the DCI’s Facebook post had drawn over 5,000 comments and 180 shares, with the majority of users dismissing or questioning the agency’s findings.

DCI said Mwangi was arrested 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.

But in retaliation, some Kenyans questioned whether owning several phones and a laptop amounts to terrorism.

“Wueeeeeh, hii yote ni kupewa maneno? Read the room,” commented Shariff Juma, popularly known as Real Sheriff.

“We are not stupid, we know the drill,” wrote Nduati Wa Njoroge, while Masibo Mukhwana alleged, “Everyone knows you have planted that evidence.”

Carol Tisaa added, “So having two phones, two laptops, and a couple of hard drives in Kenya is now a crime? Hatukuyajua haya.”

Calvin Wuod Adhis questioned, “Where is Jumaisi, the guy who escaped from custody?”

Another user, Antony Mwaura, warned, “Never again will the DCI be used as a tool of intimidation. Continue provoking Kenyans, the bubble will burst soon.”

The social media users were responding to an update by the DCI stating that Mwangi was arrested for alleged involvement in facilitating terrorist activities during the June 25 protests.

According to police, officers recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks during the arrest. 

BONIFACE MWANGI ARRESTED OVER TERROR FACILITATION

Boniface Mwangi was arrested yesterday, July 19, 2025, 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… pic.twitter.com/4jEyzP6m3N
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) July 20, 2025

Mwangi was later escorted to his Mageuzi Hub offices on Rose Avenue, Hurlingham, where a subsequent search uncovered 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.

Mwangi is being held at Pangani Police Station and is expected to be arraigned on Monday, July 21, 2025, on charges related to the facilitation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition.

“Other than unused teargas canister, which police throw anyhow and can be picked by anyone, how are personal belongings amounts to terrorism? You joke a lot,” said Blessed Son.

Onther User Kiprono Kitur in his sentiments said, “Unlike you Ayub, (DCI), we don’t suffer from memory loss. Do you people ever want to know why Kenyans loathe you that much? It’s because you never learn. Bonny will be set free by the courts.”

Carol said, “So having 2 phones,2 laptops and a couple of hard drives in Kenya is a crime..hatukuyajua haya.”