NAIROBI, KENYA — Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has recounted a harrowing ordeal of alleged police brutality at his Sema Ukweli (Speak the Truth) office, culminating in his assault and subsequent counter-charges filed against him by the very officers involved.
In a detailed Facebook post, Mwangi described how three police officers, Inspector Stanley Yano, Sergeant Osman Omar, and Constable Robert Ouko, arrived at his office late on April 2nd, 2025, purportedly responding to a noise complaint, which swiftly escalated into violence.
According to Mwangi, Constable Robert Ouko, visibly intoxicated and chewing miraa (khat), initiated the aggression upon entering the office. “Constable Robert Ouko, who was drunk and chewing miraa, started roughing us up as soon as he got into the office,” Mwangi stated.
When Mwangi questioned the senior officer, Inspector Stanley Yano, about Ouko’s condition while on duty and armed, the situation spiraled. “That’s when all hell broke loose, and a scuffle ensued. Ouko tried cocking his gun to shoot me but one of my colleagues pushed his gun away.”
Mwangi alleges that the officers then proceeded to handcuff and forcibly drag him out of his office, physically assaulting him in the process. “The three police officers then handcuffed and dragged me out of my office, while assaulting me. They pulled me so hard that the handcuffs wounded my hands and wrists until they came off and fell to the ground.” Shockingly, the officers allegedly left the handcuffs behind, which were later retrieved by Mwangi’s colleagues.
The violence continued as Mwangi was forced into the police vehicle. “As they violently loaded me into the police vehicle, right in front of my colleagues and neighbours, Ouko hit me very hard on the ribs with the butt of his gun.”
Upon arrival at Kilimani Police Station, Mwangi claims the assault continued inside the police cell. “After we arrived at the police station, and l was thrown into the police cell, Ouko followed me inside and assaulted me some more. He rained blows on me as another fellow officer held me down.” Mwangi credits the intervention of his colleagues, who had followed the police car and began screaming at the officers, for stopping the beating.
The following morning, April 3rd, the Kilimani Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Albert Chebii, reportedly found Mwangi in severe pain and ordered his transfer to Nairobi Hospital under armed escort. Medical examinations revealed injuries to his wrists, knee, a busted lip, and significant pain in his ribs and left eye, although thankfully no fractures or internal injuries were detected.
Following his discharge from the hospital, Mwangi was escorted back to Kilimani Police Station where he formally reported the assault under OB No. 84/02/04/25, even informing the OCS about the abandoned handcuffs. He claims the OCS stated that the involved officers were asleep and promised to address the matter later.
Mwangi was subsequently released on a Ksh 5,000 police bond. He also alleges that his watch and AirPods were stolen by the officers during the violent arrest.
Despite the OCS’s request for Mwangi to refrain from publicizing the assault due to an ongoing “investigation,” the activist, wary of police conduct, reported the incident to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) before leaving the country for work commitments in Brazil and Ghana.
Mwangi’s caution proved prescient. He revealed that on April 7th, 2025, the police filed “offensive conduct and assault” charges against him at the Kibera Law Court without his knowledge. His lawyer attended court on his behalf, informing the magistrate of Mwangi’s travel and providing supporting documentation. Despite this, the court issued a warrant of arrest for Mwangi’s failure to appear and set April 22nd, 2025, as the new plea-taking date.
Expressing his disbelief and outrage, Mwangi questioned the justice system: “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?.”
Boniface Mwangi poignantly concluded his post, stating, “I got my first black eye at the age of 41 at the hands of a drunk officer.”
Mwangi’s account raises serious concerns about police conduct, the abuse of power, and the potential for retaliation against those who speak out against injustice.
The fact that the victim of alleged police brutality is now facing charges has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough and impartial investigation by IPOA and other relevant authorities.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability within the Kenyan police force and protecting the rights of citizens.
