Human Rights Activists Rally to Prevent Arrest of Boniface Mwangi in Tense Nairobi Protest Over Alleged Abductions

During a tense confrontation in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, human rights activists engaged in a clash with the police to halt the arrest of well-known activist Boniface Mwangi during a peaceful demonstration. The protest, held under the theme "Justice for Gen Z Mashujaas," sought to draw attention to the abductions and vanishings of demonstrators in the June and July protests against the government spearheaded by Gen Z activists.

Tensions escalated when police officers attempted to arrest Mwangi, who lay on the ground as activists rallied to physically shield him from the officers. Video footage captured the heated moment as protestors repeatedly shouted, "Leave him alone," while resisting the arrest attempt.

The march, which began peacefully, quickly turned confrontational after police intervened. Activists had been marching toward Harambee House to present a list of individuals who have disappeared during recent protests, raising alarm over the government's alleged role in extrajudicial abductions. Mwangi, who has been a vocal critic of government repression, had earlier taken to social media to emphasize the significance of the protest.

President William Ruto had addressed the issue of disappearances in an August 30 speech, stating that he had not been informed of any missing persons from the protests and urging families to come forward with names. However, months after the protests ended, families across the country continue to seek answers, as the National Police Service (NPS) denies any involvement in the abductions.

The protest also comes on the heels of the release of the "Kitengela 3," who were freed after a month in captivity, raising questions about the extent of state involvement in the disappearances. Human rights groups have condemned the ongoing abductions and are calling for an independent investigation into the extrajudicial actions reported during the Gen Z protests.

The tense showdown in Nairobi underscores the growing frustration among civil society and activists as they demand accountability for what they call a pattern of state-sponsored repression, disappearances, and police violence against protestors.