Human rights activist and social justice crusader Boniface Mwangi has officially declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections. Mwangi, known for his outspoken stance against corruption and political impunity, launched his bid on Wednesday during Katiba Day celebrations at Ufungamano House in Nairobi.
The announcement positions him among a growing list of aspirants seeking to unseat President William Ruto, including Mumias East MP Peter Salasya and former Chief Justice David Maraga. Mwangi framed his candidacy as a natural continuation of his activism, urging Kenyans to reflect on the gains of the 2010 Constitution and to envision 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,” Mwangi told supporters. “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 emphasized that his campaign would only welcome leaders of integrity, insisting he would not align with individuals tainted by corruption or failed governance. “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 also dismissed the notion that Kenya’s future could be built by the same leaders who have long dominated government but delivered little for ordinary citizens.
Mwangi’s bid comes just weeks after he faced legal troubles. In July, he was arrested at his Lukenya home in Machakos County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on allegations of terrorism. Authorities accused him of playing a logistical role in the June 25 protests, where lives were lost and property destroyed. Several electronic devices, documents, and teargas canisters were seized during the raid, but the charges were later dropped.
Despite the setback, Mwangi insists his resolve remains unshaken, positioning himself as a voice of hope and change ahead of 2027.
