Kenyan human rights campaigner Boniface Mwangi was arrested at his home Saturday. His wife and an NGO confirmed the latest detention. This marks another incident in a long series of arrests for the prominent activist.
Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, reported the police action on X. Officers cited terrorism and arson, seizing his electronic devices. He was reportedly taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Headquarters. No clear accusations have been publicly detailed.
The news swiftly ignited widespread condemnation across social media platforms. Rights group director Hussein Khalid confirmed the arrest on X. He stated he was actively pursuing details regarding the detention. The hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi quickly gained traction.
This arrest follows a prior abduction in May. Mwangi was detained in Tanzania and allegedly tortured by security forces. He was supporting a Tanzanian opposition figure at the time. He and a Ugandan journalist subsequently filed a case with the East African Court of Justice.
President William Ruto faces mounting criticism over abductions and police violence. This coincides with a large protest movement beginning in June 2024. Rights organizations allege over 100 deaths since anti-government rallies started last year. Recent July 7 protests were particularly deadly, claiming at least 38 lives.