Boniface Mwangi set free

By Peter Ochieng

Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi is a free man. He was released without charges on Monday morning, after spending the night at Kamukunji Police Station in Nairobi.

The former Standard Media Group photojournalist was picked up at his home on Sunday, by people believed to be police officers.

“This morning at around 7.15, six uninformed people went to the courage base and forcefully took my husband @bonifacemwangi from the house. I have no idea who, why or where they have taken him,” his wife, Njeri Mwangi, alerted Kenyans.

Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hussein Khalid confirmed his release.

“I can confirm that @bonifacemwangi has been freed with no charges. Wife, children and friends were there during his release,” he said.

Among friends available during his release was Narc Kenya Party leader, Martha Karua.

Mwangi runs the popular People’s Watchman page on social media.

He was reportedly arrested after calling on protesters to ‘Occupy’ the Standard Chartered Maron event, in Nairobi on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

“Will you show up to cheer friends at the Standard Chartered marathon? You are a crucial part of the race; your cheering will motivate and energise the athletes and help reform our country in the process,” he said.

He urged participants to adorn the national flag as part of the sports gear, wear hats with the national colours, record any incidents of police brutality towards spectators and share online and stay calm, peaceful and have fun among others.

On Monday morning, Karua informed Kenyans that the Kwanza administration has become notorious for witch-hunting individuals, who provide contrary opinions to their mandate.

She questioned the manner in which arrested individuals are handled and taken to unknown locations, only to resurface days later either alive or in a body bag.

"I believe the executives are aware of individuals who are being picked up. This is also sanctioned by William Ruto himself; it has become their signature way of operating. It is not once, not random, it is tens of people abducted, maybe hundreds," she told Spice FM.