In a heartfelt revelation, renowned rights activist Boniface Mwangi has shared a deeply personal account of a moment that nearly shifted the course of his life.
Mwangi reflected on the overwhelming weight of his activism and personal aspirations, admitting that he contemplated taking his own life on August 2, 2024.
In a candid statement, Mwangi shared that just days before, he had prepared his will and made farewells, overwhelmed by the pain, grief, and distress stemming from what he termed as state-sanctioned brutality plaguing Kenya.
Mwangi acknowledged that sharing this experience might invite criticism and trolling, but he emphasized the importance of transparency and storytelling.
Despite his initial intent to end his life, he credited the love and support from family and friends with helping him reconsider and seek professional help, ultimately leading to a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
“I wanted to die. Exit this world for good. There was simply too much pain, grief, and trâuma in my life that I couldn’t bear it any longer,” Mwangi said in a post on Monday, September 16, 2024.
“Even though I don’t owe anyone an explanation, my supporters deserve at least an update, and perhaps elaboration of the circumstances that continue to assail many of those who put their lives on the line fightìng for the betterment of this country.”
Mental health
Mwangi highlighted the broader mental health crisis in Kenya, citing the distess experienced by children who witnessed brutality, the families of victims, and even the police forced into brutality.
He also addressed the suffering endured by activists and citizens battling mental health issues, exacerbated by online harassment and public shaming.
Mwangi called for greater protection and support for whistleblowers and activists, criticizing the societal tendency to attack those advocating for change while protecting those engaged in corruption.
“Activists and citizens are suffering from dèpression and mental breakdown. Kenyans on social media who have PHDs (Pull Him/Her Down) have contributed to the mental health crisis,” Mwangi stated.
“We need to protect those young kids, Hanifa Farsafi, Mercy Tarus, Kasmuel McOure, Morara Kebaso, and others who have emerged from the movement,” he added.
The activist urged for a shift in focus towards supporting those working for a better Kenya and defending them from attacks while holding accountable those who prioritize personal gain over public good.
“They are putting their lives at risk daily, exposing corruption and the evilness of this regime. They need our love and support from government trolls, and politician’s apologists. Unfortunately, whistleblowers and activists in Kenya are attacked, shamed, and hounded, destroying many lives in the process and leading to unemployment, dèpression, âlcoholism, and broken marriages,” he said.
A cry for change
Boniface Mwangi’s message was also a call to action for solidarity and support for those advocating for change, emphasizing the need to protect and uplift those who are committed to improving the nation.
He urged that the next two years be marked by increased political engagement and education, honouring the martyrs who fought for a better Kenya and ensuring a future without corrupt leadership.
“Those with resources, support those who are fìghting for change. To the middle and upper-class Kenyans, support civic education in your communities and villages.
“Let the next two years be the ones where Kenyans will become the most politically aware and educated. In honour of our martyrs, the ones who led this fight to make Kenya better, we must remember them forever and ensure that Ruto is a one-term president.
“The day of reckoning is coming soon. The youths who occupied Parliament on June 25, 2024, showed us what courage and patriotism look like,” Mwangi remarked.