On April 2, 2025, activist Boniface Mwangi reported that he was assaulted and robbed by three police officers at his Sema Ukweli office in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area. According to Mwangi, the officers arrived around 9:30 p.m., allegedly responding to a noise complaint. He claimed that one officer appeared intoxicated and was chewing miraa upon entering the premises.
Mwangi stated that the situation escalated when he questioned the officer’s possession of a firearm while seemingly under the influence. A scuffle ensued, during which the officer allegedly attempted to cock his weapon and aim it at Mwangi. Another officer intervened, preventing potential harm. Subsequently, Mwangi was handcuffed, beaten, and dragged out of the office by the officers.
He reported sustaining injuries to his wrists, knee, and ribs. While being forced into a police vehicle, one officer allegedly struck him with the butt of his gun. At Kilimani Police Station, Mwangi claimed the assault continued, with one officer punching him repeatedly while another held him down. The beating ceased only after his colleagues intervened.
In the early hours of April 3, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kilimani found Mwangi in pain and ordered his transfer to Nairobi Hospital. Medical examinations revealed bruises, swelling, and blurred vision in one eye, but no fractures. After treatment, Mwangi was returned to the police station, where he formally reported the assault.
Despite assurances of an investigation and requests from the police not to publicize the incident, Mwangi discovered that the officers had filed charges against him for “offensive conduct and assault” at the Kibera Law Courts on April 7, in his absence. Mwangi, who was abroad for work at the time, was represented by his lawyer, who presented travel documents verifying his trip. Nevertheless, an arrest warrant was issued, and a new plea-taking date was set for April 22.
Expressing his frustration, Mwangi stated, “I was assaulted, robbed of my personal belongings — my watch and AirPods — and I’m the one being charged.” He has since filed a formal complaint with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), citing fears of a cover-up and seeking justice.
This incident adds to a series of confrontations between Mwangi and law enforcement, highlighting ongoing tensions between activists and police in Kenya.
