Activist Boniface Mwangi has been released from police custody after being detained overnight following his arrest on Sunday morning.
Human Rights Activist Hussein Khalid confirmed Mwangi’s release on Monday, sharing a heartfelt video of him reuniting with his wife, children, and friends, with Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua also present for the reunion.
Mwangi had been held at Kamukunji Police Station.
Khalid reported, “Boniface Mwangi has been freed with no charges. His family and friends were there to welcome him upon his release.”
Mwangi’s arrest stemmed from statements he made about plans to disrupt the Standard Chartered Marathon, which authorities interpreted as potentially inciting.
Initially, police considered bringing charges against him but later opted to release him without filing any.
Earlier on Sunday, Mwangi’s wife, Njeri Mwangi, revealed that he had been taken from their home by unidentified individuals around 7:15 a.m. who entered their property without an arrest warrant or providing an explanation.
The couple’s children were left unattended when Mwangi was removed.
Njeri posted, “Around 7:15 this morning, six men entered our home and forcibly took Boniface. I don’t know who they were, or why, or where they’ve taken him.”
Following news of his detention, a wave of support arose from ordinary Kenyans and human rights organizations, demanding his immediate release.
After tracing him to several locations, Mwangi was ultimately found at Kamukunji Police Station.
Mwangi’s arrest appears to have been prompted by a Saturday post encouraging Kenyans to gather at the Standard Chartered Marathon to protest the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In the post, he wrote, “Will you come to cheer friends at the Standard Chartered Marathon? Your presence is essential; cheering will uplift the athletes and support our country’s transformation.”