DPP Renson Ingonga Defends Terrorism Charges Against Protesters

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has defended his office’s decision to charge several anti-government protesters with terrorism, insisting that the move was not influenced by political pressure.

The charges have sparked criticism from human rights groups, legal experts, and opposition leaders, who accuse state agencies of using harsh legal tactics, including terrorism-related offences, to suppress dissent.

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Ingonga asserted the independence of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), stating that the charges were based on specific acts of destruction targeting public infrastructure, which under Kenyan law meet the threshold for terrorism.

“The Decision to Charge Guidelines are the cornerstone of our work. They help ensure consistent and evidence-based prosecution across all regions,” Ingonga said. “We aim for people-centered justice and must resist pressure, fear, or favour when making these decisions.”

The controversy intensified last weekend when prominent activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested and accused by police of “facilitating terror” during the June 25 demonstrations, which were held in memory of victims of last year’s deadly protests against proposed tax hikes. Police also claimed he faced charges for the “facilitation of terrorist acts” and “unlawful possession of ammunition,” sparking widespread public outcry.

However, by Monday, Mwangi was charged only with possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate, a move seen by some as a retreat by the ODPP following public backlash and accusations of politically motivated charges.

Responding to the criticism, Ingonga reiterated on Thursday: “Just because demonstrations target the Executive doesn’t mean our office is under pressure. Terrorism isn’t limited to bombs and guns, deliberate destruction of government property also qualifies under the law.”

He added that the law defining terrorism was passed by the same Parliament now criticizing its enforcement.

In a related development, 37 youths charged with terrorism-related offences over the June 25 and July 7 protests were released on a cash bail of Ksh.50,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh.200,000 each.

The Law Society of Kenya and former Chief Justice David Maraga have been among the voices questioning the legitimacy and proportionality of applying terrorism laws to protesters.