Prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has reportedly been arrested by individuals believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

According to the activist's wife, Mwangi was arrested on Saturday afternoon at his home in the Lukenya area, Mavoko Sub-County, in Machakos County.

She revealed that upon his arrest, the officers confiscated Mwangi's gadgets and indicated they were taking him to the DCI headquarters located along Kiambu Road in Nairobi.

While lamenting Mwangi’s arrest, his wife described it as an act of terrorism and arson, demanding the immediate release of the activist.

Activist Boniface Mwangi. PHOTO/ Courtesy

"The police have come to our home in Courage Base and are taking my husband, talking of terrorism and arson! They’ve taken his gadgets and said they are taking him to DCI headquarters. I can’t breathe," said the wife.

Mwangi's lawyer, James Kamau, who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke revealed that the DCI officers made an impromptu visit to the activist's home, ransacked the house before arresting the activist.

He noted that despite Mwangi's sudden arrest, the officers did not provide any reasons behind his apprehension. However, the lawyer maintained that they were following up on the matter to establish why the activist had been arrested.

Boniface Mwangi has been critical of President William Ruto's administration, accusing it of orchestrating abductions and extrajudicial killings. Just recently, he slammed the government for failing to act despite his detention and torture in Tanzania.

His arrest also comes on the back of his move to file a petition against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu's administration before the East African Court of Justice.

In the petition filed on Friday, July 18, by Mwangi, his counterpart Agather Atuhaire, and seven civil society organisations, the Tanzanian government was accused of grave human rights violations.

These violations include enforced disappearance, torture, arbitrary detention, sexual abuse, and unlawful deportation.

The activists are also seeking formal apologies from the governments of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. In addition, they are demanding compensation amounting to Ksh130 million each.

A photo collage of activist Boniface Mwangi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and the Julius Nyerere International Airport, May 22, 2025

Photo

Mwanawanjuguna