Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi has been released from Kamukunji Police Station in Nairobi after being detained on Sunday morning.
Mwangi was reportedly arrested from his home in Machakos while with his two sons and later held without charges at the police station.
His release was confirmed by Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, who was among those advocating for his freedom.
Khalid shared a video showing Mwangi reuniting with his family and lawyers, including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
“I can confirm that Boniface Mwangi has been freed with no charges. His wife, children, and friends were there during his release,” Khalid said.
Mwangi’s arrest occurred ahead of his planned protests at the Standard Chartered Marathon, which took place on Sunday.
His wife, Njeri Mwangi, who traced him to the police station, revealed that officers claimed he was being held on accusations of inciting violence.
“They are holding him over claims of incitement to violence. It is all about this marathon,” she stated. Security was visibly heightened at the event, with major roads blocked and an increased police presence.
Following Mwangi’s arrest, the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trended on social media, with thousands of Kenyans, including prominent voices, decrying the detention. Journalist Larry Madowo tweeted, “A Kenyan activist has been abducted by unknown people. #FreeBonifaceMwangi,” while investigative journalist John Allan Namu also called for his release, tweeting, “This needs to stop.”
Several non-governmental organizations joined in condemning the arrest, pointing to a worrying trend of detaining activists.
The incident has drawn public attention to the challenges faced by activists in Kenya, with many online users accusing the government of attempting to suppress dissenting voices.
Mwangi’s planned protest aimed to address governance issues in Kenya, rallying followers to use the marathon as a platform for peaceful dissent.
Despite his detention, the marathon proceeded without disruptions, although the activist’s arrest sparked debate about freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
