Boniface Mwangi's wife and activists demand his immediate release

Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid has condemned the arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi, urging authorities to release him without conditions.

Mwangi was arrested on Sunday morning at around 7:15 a.m., shortly before he planned to join protests during the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.

Through his social media, Mwangi had called on citizens to attend the marathon and participate in demonstrations under the banner #OccupyStanChart, focused on raising awareness about the recent rise in femicide cases.

Speaking at Kamukunji Police Station, where Mwangi is being detained, Hussein condemned the detention, noting that Mwangi intended to shed light on escalating cases of femicide and demand action from the government.

“In the last week alone, over seven women and girls have been killed, and the idea was to send this message so that security agencies can do their work. It is very unfortunate that we are living in very difficult times where human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and others are persecuted, oppressed, and arrested for merely demanding that the law be followed and that human rights be guaranteed,” he said.

He emphasised that Mwangi’s arrest mirrored an increasing trend of arrests without due process, calling it an “abduction” due to the lack of transparency from officers.

Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid (@husskhalid ) addresses the arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi early Sunday morning, just before the #StanChartNairobiMarathon.

Mwangi had mobilised protesters for the OccupyStanChartMarathon movement, which Hussein clarified was to advocate for… pic.twitter.com/TkDLZaaQ2t

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 27, 2024

“This is why we continue to demand change in our country, as the police have shifted to working on orders rather than following the law. Officers holding him are just ‘waiting for orders from above,’ which reflects a troubling pattern of governance in a country that’s supposed to uphold the constitution and the rule of law,” he added.

Hussein went on to criticise the poor conditions in the police cells, noting the overcrowded and unsanitary state in which detainees, including activists, are held.

Njeri Mwangi, wife of activist Boniface Mwangi, further condemned the intimidation tactics used against her husband, urging respect for human rights and the protection of activists. She denounced his recent arrest and harassment, describing the distress it has caused their family, especially their young son, who witnessed the abduction at their home.

“When they come to take someone from their home, as they did with my husband, it affects the entire family. My son witnessed all of this. What happens to children when they see these things? They grow up unsure whether their father will come back home. This situation must end; it is unfair not only to my husband but to every Kenyan fighting for their rights,” she said.

Njeri emphasised the need for collective resistance against actions that undermine activists' rights, asserting that such intimidation should be universally rejected. She warned of the broader impact on the next generation, who may grow up fearing for their parents' safety and losing trust in the nation’s justice system.

“We must join together in this fight because if one person is taken away and made to feel frustrated and scared, it could lead to dire consequences. At the #OccupyStanChart event, it was clear that people wanted to feel safe and express their rights. When did wearing the flag and chanting for safety become a crime in this country?” she posed.

She concluded by expressing her hope that any charges brought against Mwangi in court would be dismissed, allowing him to be released unconditionally.

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo also addressed Mwangi's arrest, advocating for fair treatment under the law.

“Kenya is our home, and every Kenyan deserves the right to feel safe without intimidation. We have laws to manage dissent and should use them within their legal limits,” she said.

Odhiambo highlighted that if Mwangi is not released, he should be presented in court to have his case processed legally.

She also addressed the dire conditions within Kamukunji Prison, urging donors to inspect the facilities they fund to ensure detainees are held in decent environments.

“One is innocent until proven guilty. People should be held in good and fairly good conditions so that it's not that you're being brought here to intimidate, traumatise, or torture you before you get out,” she said.

Amid widespread reports of blogger Maverick Aoko's alleged disappearance, Odhiambo has urged Kenyans and well-wishers to assist in locating her.

Boniface Mwangi's wife, Njeri Mwangi, recounts the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

She also advocated for strong protection and adherence to human rights while condemning the threats directed at her husband. pic.twitter.com/3dWHiKxvL3

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 27, 2024