Katiba Day, August 27, 2025: Activist Boniface Mwangi announced his presidential bid for the 2027 General Election at Ufungamano House, Nairobi  . He framed the moment as symbolic, aligning with the first observance of Katiba Day—a national holiday proclaimed to honor the 2010 Constitution  .

Key Highlights

• Urgent national rescue

  Mwangi said Kenya is “broken” and nearing failure. Ordinary citizens “tighten their belts,” while leadership misallocates resources—citing, for example, public land used for churches while classrooms and homes suffer  .

• Anti-corruption and constitutional fidelity

  He framed his candidacy under the banner of justice, equity and democracy. He vowed zero corruption, full constitutional adherence  .

• Bold pledges

  • Free education from kindergarten through university

  • Free, quality healthcare for all

  • Free water for all Kenyans

  • A safe nation for everyone  .

• Condemnation of state brutality

  He denounced the heavy-handed treatment of young protesters, noting “true criminals are protected while our youths are brutalized for carrying flags and water”  .

Context and Background

• Activism turned politics

  Mwangi first gained recognition unveiling post-election violence through Picha Mtaani and documentary work. He co-founded Pawa254, an incubator for creatives and activists  .

• He ran on the Ukweli Party ticket for Starehe Constituency in 2017 but lost  .

• Recent legal pressure

  In July 2025, Mwangi was arrested on ammunition-related charges and released on bail  .

Reaction & Political Terrain

• Support and enthusiasm

  The crowd in red, white, and green erupted in support of his “New Kenya” vision. Former CJ Willy Mutunga joined virtually from Ghana in solidarity  . Hashtags #MwanzoMpyaKe and #BonifaceMwangi2027 trended among youth on social media  .

• Skepticism remains

  Observers warn the political landscape still favors established, well-funded campaigns anchored in ethnic networks. Mwangi’s movement lacks a deep national structure  .

• Already crowded field

  Other aspirants include activist Reuben Kigame, former CS Fred Matiang’i, and ex-CJ David Maraga. Incumbent President William Ruto is widely expected to seek re-election  .

Nairobi, August 27, 2025 – At Ufungamano House on the debut Katiba Day, Boniface Mwangi declared his candidacy for Kenya’s presidency in 2027. He called for leadership rooted in justice, equity, and the Constitution.

“This country is broken,” he said. “Nothing is working. People are struggling. We are tightening our belts—but how long?” He accused the current administration of misplaced priorities.

He pledged sweeping reforms: free education from kindergarten to university, free quality healthcare, free water, and a safe Kenya—claiming these would be possible under a zero-corruption administration.

He condemned state violence against protesting youths. “True criminals are shielded; flag-waving young people are brutalized,” he said.

Transitioning from activism to politics, Mwangi gained prominence through his post-election violence photography, Picha Mtaani, and founding of Pawa254. He contested Starehe in 2017 under the Ukweli Party. In July 2025 he faced and was released on an ammunition-related charge.

Supporters at the announcement wore national colors and rallied behind the hashtags #MwanzoMpyaKe and #BonifaceMwangi2027. Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga appeared virtually to endorse Mwangi’s vision.

Political analysts remain cautious. They cite limited resources and weak organizational depth compared to established rivals. Mwangi joins a field that includes Reuben Kigame, Fred Matiang’i, David Maraga—and likely President Ruto, who is expected to vie for re-election.

Mwangi’s entry signals a potential shift in Kenyan politics. Whether this outsider campaign gains traction against entrenched power brokers remains to be seen. But for many citizens, it presents a compelling departure from business-as-usual.