Activist Boniface Mwangi Alleges Police Brutality, Faces Assault Charges

Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi has found himself at the center of a controversial case involving allegations of police brutality and what he describes as a miscarriage of justice.

According to detailed accounts shared by Mwangi on social media, what began as a routine noise complaint response has escalated into a situation where the activist now faces criminal charges despite claiming to be the victim.

Mwangi recounts that on April 2, 2025, around 9:30 pm, three police officers—Inspector Stanley Yano, Sergeant Osman Omar, and Constable Robert Ouko—arrived at his Sema Ukweli office citing a noise complaint.

The situation allegedly deteriorated when Constable Ouko, whom Mwangi describes as “drunk and chewing miraa,” began physically confronting individuals present.

“A scuffle ensued when I questioned why an intoxicated officer was on duty with a firearm,” Mwangi stated.

He claims that during the altercation, Constable Ouko attempted to discharge his weapon but was prevented by one of Mwangi’s colleagues.

The activist alleges he was subsequently handcuffed, dragged from his office, and assaulted in front of witnesses.

According to Mwangi, the handcuffs caused injuries to his wrists before coming off during the struggle—handcuffs he claims his team recovered and still possesses as evidence.

Mwangi states that after being detained at Kilimani Police Station, he received additional beatings from Constable Ouko inside the holding cell.

He was later taken to Nairobi Hospital under police escort in the early hours of April 3rd after the station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Albert Chebii, observed his condition.

Medical examinations reportedly revealed no fractures but documented injuries to his wrists, knee, lip, ribs, and left eye.

After treatment, Mwangi says he filed a formal assault report (OB No. 84/02/04/25) and was released on a Ksh 5,000 police bond. He also alleges his watch and AirPods were taken during the arrest and have not been returned.

Charges Against the Activist

In what Mwangi describes as a troubling turn of events, police filed charges of “offensive conduct and assault” against him at Kibera Law Court on April 7th while he was abroad on work-related travel to Brazil and Ghana.

“I was assaulted by the police, physically injured, had my watch and AirPods stolen by them, and I’m the one being charged with a crime?” Mwangi wrote in his statement.

Despite his attorney presenting evidence of his international travel commitments, the court reportedly issued an arrest warrant and rescheduled his plea hearing for April 22, 2025.

Prior to departing Kenya, Mwangi filed a complaint with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), stating he did so because “you can never fully trust our police.”

The case raises significant questions about police conduct, accountability, and the treatment of activists in Kenya. Mwangi, who has long been a vocal critic of police brutality and corruption, concluded his statement with a sobering observation: “I got my first black eye at the age of 41 at the hands of a drunk officer.”

Police authorities have not yet issued a public response to Mwangi’s allegations. The case continues to develop as the activist prepares for his scheduled court appearance tomorrow.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​