In Kenya, human rights defenders, political leaders, and civil society members are rallying for the release of outspoken activist Boniface Mwangi. His recent arrest, which many call an assault on freedom of expression, has reignited concerns about constitutional rights and state accountability.
In a unified appeal to the Kenyan government, prominent leaders and activists are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Boniface Mwangi, a respected human rights advocate and political activist. His detention has sparked outrage across Kenya and has spotlighted a larger issue of civil liberties under perceived assault by state authorities. Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua, former UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi, and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, along with other prominent figures, are at the forefront of this movement, calling on the government to uphold the fundamental rights enshrined in Kenya’s constitution.
The group, which includes lawyers and representatives from various human rights organizations, held a press briefing on Sunday, emphasizing that Mwangi’s detention is part of a worrying trend of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial actions targeting activists, journalists, and the youth. They argue that this latest incident highlights the need for accountability and adherence to the principles of justice, equality, and freedom that are central to Kenya’s constitutional values.
The Arrest of Boniface Mwangi
Mwangi, a well-known figure for his vocal activism and criticism of governmental injustices, was arrested on Sunday at his home in Machakos. According to reports, he was later detained at Kamkunji Police Station in Nairobi. Mwangi’s arrest, though not officially explained, is widely seen by activists as an attempt to silence a critical voice in Kenya’s civic space. This detention follows increased tensions in recent months, particularly after June 2024’s Gen Z protests, which saw a wave of young Kenyans taking to the streets to demand reform and accountability from their leaders.
Karua, speaking on behalf of the group, criticized what she termed as “targeting of activists, journalists, and youth,” describing it as a direct violation of Kenya’s constitutional principles of justice and freedom. “Kenya must not be a place where families live in fear that loved ones may be taken in the dead of night, never to return,” she asserted, pointing to a rise in cases of police interference in peaceful protests and human rights advocacy.
The Constitutional Right to Freedom
The group, comprising both legal experts and human rights activists, emphasized that Mwangi’s arrest contravenes the constitutional rights that are supposed to protect every Kenyan citizen. “The right to life and liberty enshrined in our constitution must be upheld not selectively, not conditionally, but absolutely,” Karua stated. This argument is rooted in the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, protection against arbitrary detention, and other civil liberties.
Karua and her colleagues pointed out that these rights are also protected under international frameworks, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both of which Kenya is a signatory to. The group’s statements underscore the fact that Kenya, as part of the global community, has pledged to uphold these values, and any deviation is seen as a breach of both domestic and international obligations.
The Role of Civil Society and International Bodies
In a powerful statement, the coalition demanded that international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, intervene to ensure the safety and liberty of activists like Mwangi. They asserted that the actions of the Kenyan government, including the detention of prominent activists and instances of extrajudicial measures, constitute a clear violation of human rights. The group is calling on the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and other local and international organizations to take notice and hold Kenya accountable.
Karua’s message was clear: “We call upon every Kenyan, every person of conscience, and every believer in justice to stand united in resistance, demanding the preservation of our rights, our dignity, and our humanity.” In doing so, the group appeals to a collective responsibility among Kenyans and allies across the globe to resist any form of oppression and protect the freedoms that Kenyans have fought hard to secure.
The Rise of Extrajudicial Actions in Kenya
Mwangi’s arrest is not an isolated incident; it is part of what activists claim is a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions in Kenya. The coalition stated that these acts are used as tools of intimidation against those who speak out against the government. “Such actions constitute ‘disappearances’ and can be tried as crimes against humanity in international courts,” they noted, adding that the systematic targeting of activists and journalists is intended to create a culture of fear.
Kenya’s recent history has seen a rise in reported cases of extrajudicial abductions, a situation that has led to severe criticism from human rights organizations, both domestically and internationally. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and organizations like Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), there have been consistent reports of individuals, particularly from marginalized communities and activist circles, being detained without due process or legal recourse. For many activists, Mwangi’s arrest is emblematic of a system that seems increasingly willing to sidestep judicial oversight in order to suppress dissent.
Legal Ramifications and the Demand for Accountability
The coalition is urging the Kenyan judiciary and law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law and respect due process. In their view, the arbitrary detention of citizens without due process constitutes a gross violation of human rights and compromises the legitimacy of state institutions. “The violation of these protections is to violate the very foundation of the state’s legitimacy,” Karua said, stressing the need for a justice system that operates free from political interference.
Furthermore, the group demanded thorough investigations into these detentions and the prosecution of those involved in orchestrating unlawful arrests. They argued that a failure to address these issues could lead to a breakdown of trust in the government’s ability to uphold justice and maintain public order. The coalition emphasized that respect for human rights and the rule of law are not optional in a democratic society, but are foundational to its stability and legitimacy.
A Unified Call for Action
The coalition’s appeal is as much a plea for Mwangi’s release as it is a broader call to action for all Kenyans to protect their rights. Karua, speaking on behalf of the group, called on Kenyans to show solidarity by standing up against unlawful arrests and extrajudicial actions. She reminded Kenyans that “without accountability, there can be no freedom.” The group urged citizens to look out for one another, fostering a culture where human rights are respected and protected.
The coalition’s demands underscore the urgency of Mwangi’s release, but they also serve as a warning to the government: violations of civil liberties will not be tolerated by Kenya’s people, nor by the international community. By mobilizing both national and international support, the group hopes to pressure the government into rethinking its approach to activism and civil dissent.
Conclusion: The Struggle for Freedom Continues
As the story of Boniface Mwangi’s detention unfolds, it highlights a growing rift between Kenya’s government and its civil society. The coalition’s passionate calls for justice and constitutional integrity serve as a stark reminder of the role that civil liberties play in any democratic society. Mwangi’s arrest has brought forth renewed scrutiny of Kenya’s human rights record, and it challenges the government to prove its commitment to democratic principles by respecting the rights of all citizens.
This episode is a testament to the resilience of Kenya’s activists and the enduring power of civil society. Through their calls for freedom, equality, and accountability, the coalition continues to shine a light on the struggles faced by activists in Kenya. Their demands for Mwangi’s release are not just a call for one man’s freedom, but a rallying cry for the protection of freedoms and rights that all Kenyans hold dear. As they await the government’s response, the coalition remains resolute in their mission to hold power to account, proving that the fight for justice in Kenya is far from over.
