Mwangi is one of the mobilisers of the anti-tax protests meant to oppose the proposed new taxes contained in the Finance Bill, 2024.
Human rights activist, Boniface Mwangi, announced on Friday, June 21 that he had to go offline for an undisclosed period of time after surviving a possible abduction by officers alleged to be of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
With reports surfacing regarding a series of arrests targeting influential people amidst the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests, all of which Viral Tea was unable to independently ascertain, Mwangi encouraged his followers to continue fighting for their rights.
“I just survived a possible kidnapping attempt by DCI officers. Anyone who stands between the will of the people shall fail. I’m going to be offline. Continue with the struggle!” he posted.
Mwangi is one of the mobilisers of the anti-tax protests meant to oppose the proposed new taxes contained in the Finance Bill, 2024.
Boniface Mwangi participating in the anti-Finance Bill protests on June 20, 2024. /BONIFACE MWANGI
He was one of five activists who were arrested on Tuesday, June 18 near Parliament as they led the inaugural ‘Occupy Parliament’ protests, chaining themselves to a hand cart.
The group was released a day later after the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) argued that Kamukunji police failed to avail sufficient evidence to sustain any charge against them. Police wanted them charged with unlawful assembly and breaching the peace.
Viral Tea meanwhile had its attention drawn to several posts, particularly on X of notable individuals being sought after by police following the protests on Thursday.
Willy Mutunga, the former Chief Justice(CJ), stated that “Boniface Mwangi is being sought by police officers for interrogation.
“And true to their past practices they are doing this on a Friday. I am asking all lawyers who have been at the service of the struggles to be ready to give Mwangi the legal representation he requires.”
More posts claimed that influencers on the platform are also being targeted. Twitter bigwig ‘Crazy Nairobian’, also known as Billy The Goat was reported to have been assaulted and arrested by police officers and taken to an undisclosed location, a matter that has seen netizens demand that he be set free.
Earlier, Kenyan comedian and activist Eric Omondi was arrested while protesting outside Parliament, but reportedly went missing, leaving his family in distress.
The comedian was taken into custody around 11 a.m., and his phone was switched off immediately after his arrest, causing concern among his loved ones.
Such ordeals have sparked fear and concerns among Kenyans, who were advised to keep a vigilant eye on any suspicious individuals wherever they go.
Rights groups had reported that more than 100 people were arrested amidst the anti-Finance Bill protests as it appears that a targeted crackdown is underway.
Video of Eric Omondi’s arrest earlier today:
Eric Omondi arrested while protesting outside Parliament
????: @spmbuzzke #ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/BDcDAnSbJH
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) June 21, 2024