Human rights activist and presidential hopeful Boniface Mwangi has accused the Kenyan government of mounting a campaign of threats, harassment, and intimidation aimed at derailing his 2027 presidential ambitions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Mwangi alleged that the state is orchestrating a deliberate effort to discredit him and weaken his political movement. “Death threats are not new to me and my family, but the current regime has taken it to a new low. They have billions and bullets, but we have truth, people-power, and God,” he said.
Mwangi, the leader of the Ukweli Party, formally announced his presidential bid on August 27, 2025, during a constitutional commemoration event. He cited his commitment to fully implementing Kenya’s Constitution and championing justice, equality, and integrity in public service.
The outspoken activist, known for his campaigns against corruption and police brutality, claims recent incidents—including illegal home raids, digital surveillance, and fabricated accusations of terrorism and money laundering—are part of a coordinated state plan to intimidate him.
He recounted an incident on October 9, 2025, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he says a used bullet casing was planted in his luggage, calling it a “direct threat” to his life. Mwangi expressed deep mistrust in law enforcement and the judiciary, alleging that instead of investigating threats against him, the police have targeted him with false charges.
According to Mwangi, the government has intensified efforts to monitor his communications, disrupt his political mobilisation, and frustrate his businesses through tax and registration threats. He also warned of attempts to manipulate the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and stoke ethnic tensions to undermine his campaign.
“The government is afraid. They know that change is coming and they are terrified of a youth-led movement. They fear the Ballot Revolution. But they cannot stop an idea whose time has come,” he declared.
Mwangi further condemned ongoing state violence and impunity, citing the Kenya Human Rights Commission’s 2024 report, which documented 159 cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. He accused the state of maintaining “secret torture chambers and hit squads” despite official denials.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Mwangi’s allegations highlight growing concerns about political repression, human rights, and the safety of opposition figures in Kenya’s evolving democratic landscape.
