NAIROBI, Kenya- Renowned Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has gone missing after being abducted from his home in Athi River.
Mwangi, known for his relentless pursuit of justice and speaking against state excesses, was taken by six unidentified individuals early Sunday morning.
His wife, Njeri Mwangi, shared her distress on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I have no idea who, why, or where they have taken him.”
The abduction of Mwangi has set off an outcry from Kenyan citizens, activists, and public figures who are demanding his immediate release.
Politicians, lawyers, and journalists have voiced concerns, warning that such acts, suspected to be state-linked, represent a disturbing trend in human rights violations.
NARC Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua joined the calls for Mwangi’s release, condemning the wave of abductions sweeping through Kenya.
“The government must act to end these abductions. If anything happens to Mwangi, President William Ruto’s regime will be held responsible,” Karua stated.
The abduction occurs in a context of increasing anxiety regarding Kenya’s recent history with state crackdowns on activists, journalists, and other government critics.
Mwangi had asked participants of Sunday’s Stanchart Marathon to stage a protest against corruption and other vices.
The activist played a prominent role in the GenZ protests, during which young people mobilized against a proposed punitive law that would have dramatically raised taxes.
After weeks of unrest that resulted in over 50 youth deaths and hundreds of injuries, the bill was eventually abandoned.
However, these protests, initially largely peaceful, were soon tainted by the emergence of violent gangs believed to be hired by political entities, leaving a deep mark on the movement and sparking national debate over freedom and accountability.
Celebrated investigative journalist John Allan Namu echoed public sentiment on X, stating, “This needs to stop.”
Human Rights Organisations say Mwangi’s latest abduction reflects a larger issue of the shrinking space for civil expression and the fear that those who speak out might face a similar fate.
Mwangi’s past activism, particularly his willingness to challenge the government and expose alleged corruption, has made him both a hero to some and a target for others.
Human rights organizations have condemned what they call a worrying surge in “enforced disappearances” of activists, journalists, and even citizens with no known political affiliations.
This issue has been met with limited government intervention or accountability, with most cases remaining unresolved.
Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch indicate that these disappearances often involve individuals associated with movements or protests against state policies.
Kenyan authorities have often maintained that the security measures they implement, including force against protests, are essential to maintaining order and stability.
However, critics argue that using such tactics undermines citizens’ rights to free speech, safety, and protection under the law.
The series of abductions, according to activists, reflects a climate of repression that aims to silence dissent, discourage activism, and intimidate those who may consider similar acts of resistance.
Social media platforms have become a lifeline for those demanding justice for Mwangi and others who have suffered similar fates.
Hashtags such as #FreeBonifaceMwangi and #StopTheAbductions have gained traction as Kenyans and international supporters call for greater accountability and transparency in how the government treats its citizens.
“We will not be silenced,” posted a user on X, capturing the collective resolve of those hoping to see Kenya’s human rights landscape improve.
Kenya’s image as a beacon of democracy in East Africa has taken a hit in recent years, and the current wave of abductions risks further damaging its standing.
