Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi will not have his electronic gadgets used as evidence in his ongoing ammunition case, the prosecution confirmed during a court session on Thursday at Kahawa Law Courts.
The clarification came after Mwangi, through his lawyers, revisited concerns over the seizure of his mobile devices by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The defence had questioned the relevance of these gadgets to the charges Mwangi faces and sought confirmation on whether any forensic reports had been generated from the devices.
Earlier, the court had directed that if the devices were to be used in the case, the prosecution must produce a forensic report justifying their inclusion. Otherwise, the gadgets were to be returned to Mwangi. Mwangi’s lawyer, Lempaa Suyianka, confirmed that his client had received his devices back, as per an inventory list dated July 19, 2025.
During the session, the prosecution clarified that the seized gadgets were not linked to the offences before the court. Mwangi has consistently denied the allegations, and the case will now proceed with focus solely on ammunition-related charges.
The charges stem from an incident on July 19, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub in Nairobi County. The first charge accuses Mwangi of possession of noxious substances and three teargas canisters without lawful authority. The second charge relates to possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate, contrary to Section 26(1)(i) as read with Section 26(2)(a) of the Firearms Act, Cap 114, Laws of Kenya.
Magistrate Gideon Kiage has scheduled hearings for December 1 and 3, 2025, during which both the prosecution and defence are expected to present evidence and witnesses.
Mwangi had been arrested by the DCI on July 19, 2025, following which his electronic gadgets were seized. He was subsequently released on a Sh1 million personal bond. The initial court order had given the DCI 14 days to examine the devices and produce a forensic report if necessary, but the prosecution has now confirmed that such examination is no longer required.
With his gadgets returned and excluded from the case, attention will remain on the possession of ammunition and related charges, marking a significant development in Mwangi’s legal proceedings.
