Court gives DPP more time to probe Mwangi's devices

Activist Boniface Mwangi with his spouse Njeri Mwangi during the mention of his case at Kahawa law courts on August 21,2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

The court has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions to complete investigations on activist Boniface Mwangi's case in two weeks.

Kahawa Law Court's Senior Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage allowed the ODPP to probe devices such as laptops and mobile phones that were confiscated from the activist during his arrest.

Mwangi was arrested at his Athi River home on July 19, 2025 for allegedly being in possession of two unused teargas canisters, blank cheque and ammunition.

When he appeared in court, Mwangi denied the charges and was released on Sh1 million bond but his devices were not released.

His legal team, led by Suiyanka Lempaa, told the court that some of the gadgets were not only used by Mwangi but also his children for their studies.

James Wanjeri, also appearing for the activist, claimed officers broke the law when arresting Mwangi, and urged the court to release his gadgets.

"We have raised that with the court because the devices were being used by his children, and their performance was affected during the last examinations and the schools will open next week. It is our hope that the devices will be returned," Wanjeri said.

The court noted that investigators would give an update on the progress of the case or return the gadgets to the owner.

However, the defense team argued that the charges were unfounded and politically instigated. "They executed warrants they did not have, like confiscating the devices." Wanjeri added.

He said that the orders had no such provision.

The case will be mentioned on September 4, 2025.