Renowned journalist and human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has come forward with chilling allegations of police brutality, claiming he was assaulted by officers from Kilimani Police Station on the night of April 2 at his Sema Ukweli offices in Nairobi.
In a detailed post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Mwangi recounted how three police officers stormed his office allegedly in response to a noise complaint. What began as a routine inquiry, he said, quickly spiraled into violence when one officer—whom Mwangi alleges was intoxicated and chewing miraa—began to rough him up and even attempted to draw his firearm on him.
“I tried to ask the senior officer why his colleague was working while drunk and armed. That’s when all hell broke loose,” Mwangi stated.
Dragged, Beaten and Detained
Mwangi says he was handcuffed, dragged out of his office, and bundled into a police car where the same officer allegedly struck him in the ribs using the butt of his gun. According to him, the handcuffs were so tight they caused bruises and cuts on his wrists. After arriving at Kilimani Police Station, the beating reportedly continued inside the cells.
“The officer followed me into the cell and continued to beat me while another held me down. I screamed, and my colleagues who had followed me to the station intervened.”
The next morning, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) reportedly heard the activist’s cries and ordered that Mwangi be taken to Nairobi Hospital for medical evaluation.
Hospital Visit and Aftermath
Medical checks revealed that Mwangi had no internal injuries, but he had sustained visible injuries on his wrists, knee, ribs, and lips. After being discharged, he was taken back to the police station and later released on a Ksh5,000 police bond.
Mwangi says the OCS pleaded with him not to publicize the incident, promising internal disciplinary action against the officers involved. He also claims that the officers who assaulted him later asked him to remain silent, which he initially agreed to.
However, citing lost trust in the system, Mwangi says he later reported the incident to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). He also alleges that during the arrest, police officers confiscated his watch and AirPods, which are yet to be returned.
Legal Twist: Mwangi Now Facing Charges
In a surprising twist, Mwangi revealed that while he was abroad for work, police filed charges against him at the Kibera Law Courts, accusing him of “offensive conduct and assault.” A warrant of arrest was issued when he failed to attend court.
His legal team later presented evidence of his overseas travel, and the court set April 15, 2025, as the new date for plea-taking.
“The magistrate was informed of my travel plans and shown my air ticket, invitation letter, and exit stamps. Despite being the victim, I now face charges,” Mwangi lamented.
Call for Accountability
Mwangi’s ordeal has reignited national conversations about police accountability, use of force, and the treatment of activists. As IPOA investigates the incident, the country watches closely to see whether justice will be served.