Aasai

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has publicly condemned the arrest of outspoken civil rights activist Boniface Mwangi, calling it a direct assault on democratic freedoms and human rights. In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Kalonzo expressed deep concern over the governments increasing tendency to silence dissent. He described Mwangi as a courageous defender of justice and truth, and instructed his legal team to urgently pursue all avenues to secure his release.

Mwangi was reportedly arrested from his home in Lukenya by officers suspected to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). According to his wife, Njeri Mwangi, the arresting officers confiscated his electronic devices, including phones and laptops, and accused him of financing acts of chaos during the recent anti-government protests. More disturbingly, Njeri revealed that Mwangi is also being investigated for alleged involvement in terrorism and arson—claims she said came as a shock to the family and remain unsubstantiated.

Kalonzo did not hold back in his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, which he accused of ruling through fear and repression. "I strongly condemn the arrest of Boniface Mwangi, a bold and fearless advocate for truth and justice. I will never join this rogue and criminal regime, and I refuse to participate in any dialogue with those who have the blood of our children on their hands," Kalonzo said, referring to the deaths reported during recent demonstrations.

The activist’s sudden disappearance has sparked widespread alarm across the country. Human rights advocate and Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid raised the alarm shortly after Mwangi’s reported arrest, stating on social media that his location had become unknown. Khalid said that after tracking the DCI vehicles believed to be holding Mwangi, the team lost them in traffic, and upon arriving at the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, they were told Mwangi was not being held there. “Comrades, Boniface Mwangi is now missing,” he posted, adding to fears of possible enforced disappearance.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has not released any official communication or statement regarding the arrest or the alleged charges. This silence from the authorities has only deepened public suspicion and triggered growing calls for accountability and transparency.

Adding a regional twist to the unfolding events, Mwangi’s arrest came just a day after he and Ugandan journalist and lawyer Agather Atuhaire filed a petition at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). The petition accuses the governments of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania of violating fundamental rights during the recent crackdowns on public protests, particularly targeting youth and activists across East Africa.

The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and opposition leaders, many of whom believe it is politically motivated. They argue that Mwangi is being punished for his vocal opposition to the current administration and for challenging state-sanctioned violence through both activism and legal avenues.

With Mwangi’s whereabouts still unclear and public pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the government and security agencies to clarify the situation and ensure that the rule of law and human rights are upheld.