Activist Boniface Mwangi has been set free after spending almost 24 hours behind bars.
Boniface Mwangi was released alongside two other activists who were arrested on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, after they were apprehended near parliament while protesting over Finance Bill 2024.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Mwangi announced that set had been set free after the Judiciary declined to approve charges levelled against them.
While announcing his release, Boniface Mwangi noted that he would resume protests in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The police violated our rights by arresting me, and many other peaceful citizens illegally. @ODPP_KE @Kenyajudiciary have refused to violate our rights, and told us we are free to go home. Tomorrow we are protesting again. Can @IG_NPS Koome bring our Mkokoteni back to parliament? pic.twitter.com/OqpnvEwFf6
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) June 19, 2024
“Kenyans are back again in the streets tomorrow. Wear that bandana. Wear that ribbon,” Boniface Mwangi stated.
Before his release, Mwangi lamented in a series of social media posts over being held by law enforcement officers without being charged.
However, the court declared it had no jurisdiction to hear the case.
Boniface, Ngartia, and Shipeta have been released after spending 24 hours in police custody. The Court declared it had no jurisdiction to hear the case, while the @ODPP_KE claimed there was no evidence to prosecute them.#SemaUkweli pic.twitter.com/JdTka7oAyv
— Sema Ukweli (@SemaUkweliKenya) June 19, 2024
Arrest ordeal
Before Mwangi was arrested, he caused drama near the National Assembly. The activist had tied himself on a wheelbarrow with placards written ‘Reject Finance Bill.’
His plan to storm the parliament building was thwarted by a group of security officers who were deployed to dispel the protesters.
Efforts by police officers to unchain him before handcuffing him and other activists proved futile forcing the police to drive them behind their car with the wheelbarrow.
Despite lawmakers securing release of other protesters, Mwangi was detained overnight for taking part in the streets demonstrations.
The call for street protests began on social media with Kenyans expressing their views and discontentment with the Bill.
The #OccupyParliament gained massive support online, especially from young people colloquially known as Gen Zs.
They turned up in huge numbers attracting applause from different political leaders led by Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Raila responded after a video of a lady asking him not to join the street protests went viral on various social media platforms.
“Agwambo (Raila), this is a message don’t come, please stay at home. We saw your efforts and what you have done to Kenya, now let us fight for our rights. We miss you but don’t come outside, we shall represent you,” the lady stated.
“I’m a very proud father today! Hongera sana to the young lady and all those who bravely stood up for their rights!” Raila responded.
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