Francis Gaitho condemns release of Boniface Mwangi

By Robert Mutasi 

Blogger Francis Gaitho now condemns release of Boniface Mwangi In a striking call for action, prominent activist Francis Gaitho cried foul as fellow activist Boniface Mwangi was released without any charges preferred against him. 

Debate about the state's tactics against civil liberties and political dissent in Kenya is fired up.

In a strongly-worded statement, Gaitho compared Mwangi's case with those of other activists such as Hanifa and Morara Kebaso, thus pointing to an alarming trend of state operatives using the law to muzzle dissenters.

Mwangi, who is no stranger to criticism against the government, made headlines earlier this month when he was dramatically arrested.

Many of his supporters voiced outrage at the detention, with many fearing it was an orchestrated operation by state agents to silence him. 

Gaitho observes in his statement that he knew Mwangi's release would happen without charges, just like what has happened to other activists who have suffered the same fates.

"We saw the same happening with Hanifa. We also saw Morara Kebaso's cases dropped yet mine are identical and from the same section of the Cyber Crimes Act," said Gaitho. 

His comments come amidst a background of increasing scrutiny over the government approach to dissent.

Gaitho said such a dangerous ease with which one can "map out state operatives based on these distinct occurrences" does point towards an argument of a systemic problem in law enforcement when dealing with activists. 

The stark observation is a reflection of growing public unease about the commitment to democratic tenets and the rule of law by the current government.

To many observers, Mwangi's release was a calculated move by the authorities to ease pressure from the public while sending a message of intimidation to others in the activist community.

Gaitho's warning is a call to action for anyone who loves democracy and civil rights to be vigilant against government overreach.

Both Mwangi and Gaitho have played vital roles in their pursuit of justice and accountability in Kenya, making their struggles symbolic of the wider struggle against state-sponsored repression.

The issues that have been raised by Gaitho bring into focus a very critical narrative on eroded civil liberties and the need for solidarity among activists.

As the events in relation to Mwangi's case continue to unravel, it is yet to be observed how the government of Kenya will consider issues behind the actions taken.

For now, Gaitho's voice continues to ring aloud, a rendition of fear and frustration among many, in the quest for a society ripe with justice and equality.

This burgeoning human rights movement in Kenya is not an affair of individual activists. 

It represents a growing discontent within the national struggle for democracy.