Boniface Mwangi launches 43forBonnie presidential fundraiser to mark 43rd birthday
By Dan Kauna, July 10, 2026Human rights activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi is celebrating his 43rd birthday with a new mission. Turning 43 on July 10, 2026, Mwangi has officially started a public fundraising campaign called #43forBonnie to power his presidential bid.
Instead of looking for wealthy political sponsors, the activist is asking everyday Kenyans to fund his political journey. He is also marking this milestone by doing 43 acts of service for his supporters over 43 days.
A journey of survival and service
Looking back at his life, Mwangi shared how tough his journey has been. He took to social media to talk about the heavy personal cost of his work over the years.
“I’m 43 years old today. I’m celebrating life and how far I have come. Countless beatings, arrests, torture, been shot, and endless trolling, yet I’m still here,” he wrote.
His journey in public life began at a very young age. In a video message posted across his social media platforms, he reflected on going to jail when he was 11 years old and was kicked out at 14 for trying to fix the school he was in.
“I’ve been arrested. I’ve been tortured. My house has been bombed. I went to jail when I was 11 years old,” he said
He went on to serve the country as an award-winning photographer, preaching peace after post-election violence, and later founded PAWA254, an art space that has impacted thousands of lives.
Mwangi made it clear that he does not have the backing of the political elite. “I don’t have political godfathers; I don’t have a lot of money. I don’t have deep pockets. But I know I’ve got Kenyans. I have you,” he stated.
Funding a citizen-led campaign
The #43forBonnie challenge asks Kenyans to donate any amount linked to his age, with the number 43.
“Give any amount that contains 43, 43 bob, 143, 430, 4,300, or even more if you can. Challenge 3 friends. Post it. Let the world see,” Mwangi wrote.
Mwangi believes that a grassroots funding model is the only way to build a government that truly serves the people. “Because if we want a Kenya that truly belongs to us, we must fund it ourselves,” he said, adding that “this is our presidential campaign.”
To build trust with his donors, he promised complete financial openness throughout the process. “Every single shilling contributed will be published and fully accounted for publicly, while respecting the privacy of those who request anonymity,” he noted.
Mwangi maintains that his ultimate goal is to eliminate systemic corruption and make public taxes work for everyone. “When I become Kenya’s president, I’m going to end corruption in this country. I can guarantee you that. And your money will work for you,” he concluded.