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Boniface Mwangi accuses government of shadowbanning him on social media
06th September, 2025 09:35 AM
Human rights defender and presidential hopeful Boniface Mwangi has accused the government of working behind the scenes to silence him on social media.
In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, September 6, 2025, the outspoken activist said his platforms had been shadowbanned, a move he believes is meant to frustrate his political ambitions.
He claimed that this suppression involves banning certain keywords and manipulating algorithms, effectively shrinking his visibility despite his massive following of over three million people.
According to Mwangi, posts that would ordinarily attract high levels of engagement are now struggling to reach even a fraction of his audience, sometimes drawing fewer than 5,000 views. He interpreted this as a deliberate strategy to frustrate his political ambitions by muting his influence online.
“How do I handle shadowbanning? The regime has shadowbanned my social media accounts, banning keywords and using algorithm manipulation to reduce my reach. I have over 3 million followers across all social media platforms, but some posts get fewer than 5,000 views,” Mwangi stated.
Presidential bid
His concerns come just days after he officially declared that he would run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
Mwangi, who is well known for his activism and campaigns for justice, unveiled his bid on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Ufungamano House in Nairobi. The launch coincided with the 15th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution, a symbolic day for reformers and human rights advocates.
Also watch: Boniface Mwangi launches 2027 presidential bid amid crowded race
Hussein Khalid, the CEO of Vocal Africa, was among those who attended the event. Sharing a short video clip of the launch on his X account, Khalid confirmed his support for the activist’s journey.
“Presently celebrating 15 years of Katiba at the launch of @bonifacemwangi’s presidential bid at Ufungamano House, Nairobi,” Khalid wrote as he posted a video showing cheering supporters at the venue.
Mwangi, in his address, thanked Kenyans for the warm reception to his announcement and promised to fight for a Kenya that works for everyone.
“Thank you for the positive response to my announcement that I will be running for the presidency. Let’s organise to win the 2027 presidential elections and build a Kenya that works for all of us,” he said.
The former photojournalist called on citizens to reflect on his long journey as an activist and to embrace his vision of change.
“To mark 15 years since the promulgation of the Constitution, let’s gather to honour what we have done together, out of love for our country,” Mwangi said during the launch.
His declaration places him among a growing list of aspirants seeking to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.
