A plea by Njeri Mwangi, the wife of activist Boniface Mwangi, has gained responses from prominent figures such as Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga among others.
Njeri on Sunday morning October 27, 2024, sounded the alarm about her husband’s abduction, saying that he was picked up from their Lukenya home in Machakos county by six unknown people.
According to Njeri, six unknown people walked into the home at about 7:15 am and picked up Mwangi.
“This morning at around 7.15, six uninformed people went to courage base and forcefully took my husband Boniface Mwangi from the house,” Njeri wrote on X.
She appealed to fellow activists, lawyers, and officials, tagging high-profile figures like Karua, Odhiambo, and Mutunga to raise awareness and seek intervention.
“I have no idea who, why or where they have taken him @JamesKWaNjeri @WMutunga @MarthaKarua @husskhalid @DefendersKE @HakiKNCHR @FaithOdhiambo8,” Njeri stated.
Faith Odhiambo, the LSK President, responded promptly to Njeri’s call for help, assuring her that she was following up on her husband’s abduction.
“Following up,” Odhiambo wrote.
Martha Karua also issued a pointed statement on X, condemning the incident and holding President William Ruto’s government responsible.
“These abductions and murders must stop @HakiKNCHR @thekhrc @achpr_cadhp a@AUC_PAPS @AUC_MoussaFaki @UNHumanRights unless concerted action is taken they will continue to abduct and murder #DrainTheSwamp #RutoMustGo,” Karua she declared, tagging international human rights organizations and urging collective action against what she described as a trend of politically motivated disappearances in Kenya.
Willy Mutunga, the respected former Chief Justice, also signalled support by retweeting lawyer Steven Mbugua, who urged anyone with knowledge of Mwangi’s whereabouts to share information with the LSK.
Nairobi marathon
Boniface Mwangi’s sudden disappearance has stirred a wave of concern among Kenyans, particularly as it follows a social media campaign he initiated urging citizens to participate in the StanChart Nairobi Marathon wearing slogans against President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Will you show up to cheer friends at the Standard Chartered marathon? You are a crucial part of the race; your cheering will motivate and energise the athletes and help reform our country in the process. This is how: -Adorn the national flag as part of your sports gear -Wear hats with the national colours -Wear a bandana with the message RutoMustGo -Record protest chants and share online -Bring a placard with your message to Ruto -Record your protest message and post online -Adopt the Kahongo song as your marathon chant -Record any incidents of police brutality towards spectators and share online -Stay calm and peaceful and have fun!” Boniface Mwangi wrote on X on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1:40 pm.
The activist’s efforts have led to past run-ins with authorities, as he has been a high-profile critic and a vocal advocate for social justice.
As of this writing, no further updates have been provided on Mwangi’s location or condition.
Kenyan authorities have yet to issue an official statement, while human rights groups are closely monitoring the situation.
