Nairobi, July 21- The Kenya Kwanza government’s move to charge protesters with terrorism has triggered public outrage, with critics saying the charges lack legal merit and could discourage Kenyans from reporting real terror threats.
Former Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri dismissed the charges as “completely ridiculous,” arguing they have no legal basis. “Charging Boniface Mwangi or others with terrorism is absurd. While some acts may seem disruptive, they don’t qualify as terrorism,” he said, warning that misuse of counterterrorism laws could damage Kenya’s democracy.
Dr. Oduor Ong’wen, a former political detainee, also criticized the move, warning against the selective application of laws. “When laws are used to suppress social unrest, we risk creating bigger problems,” he said.
Mwangi, who was arrested over the weekend, is being held at Pangani Police Station and is set to appear before Kahawa Law Courts on terrorism charges.
Dr. Ong’wen warned that diluting the meaning of terrorism could undermine national security. “Terrorism is a serious crime. Using it loosely discourages the public from reporting genuine threats,” he said. He stressed that Kenya’s Penal Code already has sufficient provisions to deal with crimes like arson and looting.
The decision has raised fears of eroding civil liberties, with many questioning whether the charges will stand in court or trigger further public protests.
