The Machakos High Court has delivered a verdict sentencing activist Boniface Mwangi to two months in prison, with the alternative option of paying a Ksh 300,000 fine, for contempt of court.
Just before his sentencing, Boniface Mwangi shared a photo of his wife and cousin looking rather worried in court.
“I couldn’t resist taking a pic of Njeri, and my nephew as they listened to the court proceedings. Njeri was visibly worried.”Boniface Mwangi noted.
This legal action against Mwangi arose from a defamation suit filed by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua. The suit was initiated following Mwangi’s claims that the former Machakos Governor was responsible for a bombing incident at his residence in October 2021.
In response to the court’s decision, Mwangi expressed his thoughts, stating, “I have been found guilty of contempt of court. Sentenced to two months in prison or pay a fine of Ksh 300,000.” He also revealed that the court had extended a gag order, preventing him from mentioning the individual he believed was responsible for the alleged bombing, until January 2024.
Mwangi further emphasized his determination not to be silenced, remarking, “I can no longer post who bombed our home. Water is wet, the pope is Catholic, and everyone knows who bombed our home.”
Earlier, Mwangi had posted photographs of himself at the Machakos High Court, accompanied by figures like Azimio Principal Martha Karua, Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and other representatives from civil society organizations.
The court had previously found Mwangi guilty of contempt of court on October 16, 2023, following a suit initiated by lawyer J. Harrison Kinyanjui and Advocates dated January 11.
Mwangi’s lawyer received a note, stating, “Having briefly read the ruling, the court has found you in contempt of court and directed that you appear in person to show cause why you should not be sent to civil jail.”
On behalf of CS Mutua, it was argued that the activist had ignored summons twice and, as a result, was found guilty of contempt of court. Kinyanjui informed the court that Mwangi had violated the court order by publishing content on his Twitter account that was defamatory toward Governor Mutua.
The root of the case lies in a defamation lawsuit brought by CS Mutua, who accused Boniface Mwangi of publishing defamatory statements on his social media platforms regarding the alleged bombing of his home.