A pan-African movement, Africans Rising has condemned the recent abduction and arrest of Kenyan activist, Boniface Mwangi, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Mwangi, a long-time member of the movement and a leading voice for social justice in Kenya, was abducted from his home in an illegal raid carried out by officers of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He was later charged with facilitating terrorist acts—a claim Africans Rising described as false and ridiculous.
The charge has since been dropped, but the court imposed a KSh 1 million bail bond, which the movement says is excessive and aimed at silencing critical voices.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with Boniface Mwangi, a man whose love for Africa drives his relentless advocacy for a better Kenya,” the group said in a statement. “His arrest is not an isolated incident but part of a broader crackdown on activists and human rights defenders.”
Africans Rising said several of its members working with Kongomano La Mapinduzi and the Social Justice Movement have also been detained on similar trumped-up charges, particularly terrorism-related offences, a pattern it finds disturbing.
The group condemned the growing use of the DCI as a political tool to intimidate dissenting voices and suppress civic engagement. It urged the Kenyan government to uphold constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest.
In its demands, Africans Rising called on Kenyan authorities to immediately release Boniface Mwangi and all detained activists, drop all malicious and unfounded charges, respect and protect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest
“Africans Rising will continue to amplify the voices of those silenced by oppressive regimes and push for a just, peaceful, and equitable society,” the group said.