Kenyan activist detained after raid by ‘masked’ group

Prominent Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has recently been detained by police on charges of inciting violence, according to his wife, who spoke with the BBC. The dramatic turn of events unfolded after a group of six masked individuals forcibly took Mwangi from his home. His arrest follows his call for an anti-government protest at the upcoming marathon in Nairobi.

Police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed that Mr. Mwangi is in custody but did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his detention. His supporters have expressed outrage, demanding his immediate release.

Mwangi had been vocal on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), urging for the resignation of President William Ruto. He used the hashtags #RutoMustGo and #OccupyStanChart, referring to the Standard Chartered marathon. He encouraged followers to wear the national colors, don bandanas with the message “RutoMustGo,” and share protest chants online, adding, “Stay calm and peaceful and have fun!”

This is not the first time Mwangi has faced arrest; he has been detained multiple times for his activist efforts. His recent protest call is viewed as a move to maintain pressure on Ruto, who has faced increasing public discontent over rising living costs and allegations of police brutality during protests earlier this year.

In a statement to the BBC, Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, revealed that he was taken from their home in Machakos County at dawn, about 25 miles east of Nairobi. She described the chaotic scene where five masked men and a woman, all dressed in plain clothes, confronted her husband before escorting him out. “They allowed him at least to dress up and then they walked him out,” she said.

Hours following his capture, police confirmed Mwangi’s detention at a police station in downtown Nairobi. His legal team asserts that he faces unspecified charges of incitement to violence, which he vehemently denies.

Ruto, who came into power in 2022 promising to represent the “Hustler Nation”—a term referring to Kenya’s marginalized and unemployed youth—has faced significant backlash recently, especially after proposing tax increases. Following mass protests, he abandoned those plans in a bid to quell public anger and has since welcomed the main opposition party into the government.

Adding to the political turmoil, Ruto’s deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, was impeached over a week ago, reportedly with Ruto’s support. Gachagua has faced numerous accusations, including fostering ethnic divisions and breaching his oath of office, which he has described as a “political lynching.”

In light of these developments, Ruto maintains that he is dedicated to governing in the interests of all Kenyans and improving the economy.