Prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was on Saturday morning arrested by individuals believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), according to his family.
Mwangi was reportedly picked up from his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, under unclear circumstances. His wife, Njeri Mwangi, confirmed the arrest via a brief statement, stating that her husband was being taken to the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road.
“Boniface has been arrested from our home. They said they are taking him to DCI headquarters. We have not been told why he is being arrested,” said Njeri.
Videos shared online showed a visibly calm Mwangi being escorted from his compound by plainclothes individuals. It remains unclear whether the officers presented a warrant or explained the grounds for his arrest.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is yet to release an official statement on the matter.
Mwangi, a vocal government critic and award-winning photojournalist, has often found himself at odds with the state over his bold activism. Just recently, he filed a case at the East African Court of Justice alongside Ugandan journalist Agatha Atuhaire, seeking compensation from the Tanzanian government over alleged human rights violations during a regional summit in May.
His arrest has triggered widespread concern on social media, with Kenyans online demanding transparency and calling for his immediate release. The hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi began trending within minutes of the news breaking.
Several civil society groups and fellow activists are expected to issue a joint press statement later today.
This is a developing story. Updates to follow.
