NAIROBI, Kenya — Prominent Kenyan activist and government critic Boniface Mwangi has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
Mwangi launched his presidential bid on Wednesday at Ufungamano House during Katiba Day, a day commemorating the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
“The future of our country is in our hands. Today, on Katiba Day, I announce my bid for the presidency in 2027,” the said.
Ufungamano House holds historic significance as the launchpad of the 1990s second liberation movement, which birthed the 2010 Constitution.
Mwangi now joins a list of other candidates who have expressed ambitions to unseat President William Ruto, including Mumias East MP Peter Salasya and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
During his launch, Mwangi invited Kenyans to reflect on his journey and to support his transition toward a new chapter for the country.
“To mark 15 years since the promulgation of the Constitution, let’s gather to honour what we have done together, out of love for our country,” he said.
“We have always fought for a better country, and now it is time to unveil new possibilities of building that Kenya, a Kenya that works for all of us.”
Mwangi called for support from Kenyans from all walks of life, stating that he will only work with individuals he considers “clean.”
“If I take this water and it is clean now, and I put a drop of urine, human waste, or cow dung, it will be contaminated. It will be a mistake for me to try to work with anyone who is contaminated,” he said.
The activist believes that the country cannot change if it works with people who have previously served in government and failed to achieve positive outcomes for the public.
In July, Mwangi was arrested and charged with terrorism, but the charges were later dropped. He was arrested at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The DCI stated that the arrest was in connection with his suspected involvement in the “coordination and facilitation of acts deemed to constitute terrorism under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.”
During the operation, detectives said they recovered several electronic devices and documents from his home.
They also claimed to have found two unused tear gas canisters and one blank round of 7.62mm ammunition at his office at Mageuzi Hub in Hurlingham.
Other items reportedly found included nine assorted external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six cheque books, and copies of stamp duty documents.
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Authorities alleged that Mwangi played a key logistical and financial role in the June 25 protests, during which scores were killed, public property was destroyed, and security officers were injured.
Elections in Kenya are due in August 2027. Mwangi’s candidacy will have to be cleared by the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission that qualifies all candidates.
Others who have announced presidential bids include Senator Okiya Omtatah and former Chief Justice David Maraga. Incumbent President William Ruto also intends to seek re-election.
A coalition of opposition leaders, led by two former deputy presidents and other former government officials, also intends to field a presidential candidate.