Activist Boniface Mwangi has been released after spending the night at the Kamukunji Police Station.
In a statement on Monday, October 28, 2024, fellow activist Hussein Khalid said that Mwangi had been released and that he would not be presented to the court as had earlier been reported.
“I can confirm that Boniface Mwangi has been released with no charges. Wife, children and friends were there during his release,” Khalid said on X.
Also, the Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo confirmed Mwangi’s release, noting that he had been freed on a free bond.
According to his wife Njeri Mwangi, the activist was picked up from their home in Machakos and forcefully bundled into a car which sped off without the captors informing her of the reasons and where Mwangi would be detained.
“This morning at around 7: 15 am, six ununiformed people went to Courage Base and forcefully took my husband from the house. I have no idea who, why or where they have taken him,” Njeri posted on Sunday morning.
Activists would later trace Mwangi to Kamukunji Police Station where he had been detained.
Reason for Mwangi’s arrest
Mwangi is suspected to have been arrested on the grounds that he was planning to occupy the Sunday, October 27, 2024, Stanchart Marathon.
Mwangi had informed his followers on social media to participate in the Marathon and avail national flags to raise awareness of protest victims.
He encouraged Kenyans to wear scarves with anti-government slogans and to record their chants as well as incidents of police brutality whenever they occur as a form of digital activism.
Mwangi also encouraged his supporters to converge around Uhuru Gardens where the award ceremony of the Stanchart Marathon was taking place and cheer the athletes in honour of protest victims and those killed during the anti-government demonstrations.
“Will you show up to cheer friends at the Standard Chartered marathon? You are a crucial part of the race; your cheering will motivate and energise the athletes and help reform our country in the process. This is how: -Adorn the national flag as part of your sports gear -Wear hats with the national colours -Wear a bandana with the message RutoMustGo -Record protest chants and share online -Bring a placard with your message to Ruto -Record your protest message and post online -Adopt the Kahongo song as your marathon chant -Record any incidents of police brutality towards spectators and share online -Stay calm and peaceful and have fun!” Mwangi posted on X.
