Boniface Mwangi, a prominent human rights activist, was arrested at his home early Sunday morning and remained in Police custody by evening. Authorities have charged him with “inciting violence” due to his recent calls for anti-government protests. His arrest has sparked widespread condemnation, with many demanding his release and condemning what they see as an attack on free expression.
The first alert came from his wife on social media platform X, reporting that six unidentified individuals entered their home shortly after 7 a.m. and detained Mwangi. Soon after, news of his detention circulated widely online, with reports indicating he was held at a Nairobi police station.
Police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed to local media that Mr Mwangi was in custody, but did not provide further details.
In the days leading up to his arrest, Mwangi had encouraged Kenyans to use Sunday’s marathon as a platform for protest, suggesting participants display the Kenyan flag or wear bandanas calling for the president’s resignation. This is not the first time Mwangi has been outspoken or detained; he was a key figure in the June 2024 protest movement.
In response, supporters flooded social media, demanding his release. The Kenyan Human Rights Commission condemned the arrest, emphasizing that Mwangi was exercising his constitutional right to free expression