Octopizzo: Boniface Mwangi’s arrest is direct attack on activism
By Nancy Marende, July 21, 2025Kenyan hip-hop artiste and philanthropist Octopizzo has condemned the arrest of human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, calling it a calculated assault on activism, protest, and freedom in the country.
In a statement on Monday, July 21, 2025, Octopizzo described the state’s move as a desperate attempt to stifle dissent by criminalising activism.
“What they’re doing to Boniface Mwangi is not justice; it’s desperation. Labelling activists as terrorists is the oldest trick in the dictatorship handbook. But we’re not stupid. We see through the smoke,” he said.
“This is a direct attack on activism, on protest, on freedom, and it’s intentional. You can’t silence a revolution by detaining its voice.”
Furthermore, the artist has lauded Mwangi’s courage and unwavering commitment to justice, contrasting it with what he described as cowardice by those in power.
“Bonnie has walked these streets louder, braver, and freer than any of the men hiding behind uniforms and titles,” he said.
Mwangi is in police custody following his arrest on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at his residence in Lukenya, Machakos County.
The arrest
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Mwangi in connection with claims of facilitating terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, anti-government protests.
Mwangi was taken to Pangani Police Station in Nairobi, where he is being held pending arraignment on Monday, July 21, 2025.
According to the DCI, the arrest followed a targeted operation at Mwangi’s home. Detectives recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks during the initial search.
Mwangi was then escorted to his office at Mageuzi Hub on Rose Avenue, Hurlingham, where police conducted a second search.
During the office operation, investigators seized nine assorted external hard drives, two additional laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six chequebooks, and copies of stamp duty documents. Also recovered were two unused tear gas canisters and one 7.62 mm blank round. Authorities say these items will be part of the evidence presented in court.
“During the arrest, detectives recovered two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks. He was later escorted to his office at Mageuzi Hub, Rose Avenue in Hurlingham, where a search led to the recovery of nine assorted external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six chequebooks, copies of stamp duty documents, two unused tear gas canisters, and one 7.62 mm blank round,” read the DCI X post dated July 20, 2025.
The DCI confirmed the details in an official statement, saying, “Boniface Mwangi was arrested yesterday, July 19, 2025, by detectives at his residence in Lukenya in Machakos County in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests.”
Mwangi is expected to face charges of facilitating terrorist acts and unlawful possession of ammunition.