Activist Alleges Direct State Involvement in Threats

Prominent Kenyan human rights activist and presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi has publicly stated that his life is in danger, directly implicating State House in a series of escalating threats and harassment. Speaking in Nairobi on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Mwangi revealed he discovered a used ammunition cartridge in his carry-on bag shortly after landing in Malindi on Thursday, October 9, 2025. He believes the bullet was planted during a brief period his bag was out of his possession at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

Mwangi described the discovery as a “direct threat to my life” and opted not to report the incident to the police, citing advice from lawyers and human rights defenders who feared it could be a trap to incriminate him. Instead, he reported the matter to a human rights organisation and shared evidence with his legal team.

Pattern of Alleged State Persecution

This latest incident, according to Mwangi, is part of a broader and intensified pattern of state persecution that he claims began in June 2024. He has cited multiple arrests, an attempted abduction, and raids on his home and offices by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Mwangi further alleges that his communications are under surveillance, his social media accounts suppressed, and his digital devices cloned.

The activist, who has been a vocal critic of successive governments, stated that while death threats are not new to him, the current regime has “taken it to a new low,” describing the intensity as unprecedented. He explicitly warned, “If anything happens to me, look no further than State House.”

Historical Context and Legal Framework

Kenya's Constitution, specifically Article 33, guarantees the right to freedom of expression, encompassing the freedom to seek, receive, or impart information or ideas. Article 37 further guarantees the right to assemble peacefully. Despite these constitutional safeguards, human rights organisations have consistently raised concerns about the harassment of activists and the suppression of dissent.

Amnesty International Kenya notes that protest is often treated as a threat, with unlawful force used against protesters. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) reported 159 cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in 2024, and at least 65 protesters were killed between June and July 2025. Laws on hate speech and defamation have also been frequently used to prosecute online critics of the government, though courts have occasionally invalidated such provisions.

Stakeholder Concerns and Unanswered Questions

Analysts suggest that these developments could significantly influence public debate and policy execution in the near term. Stakeholders are urging clarity on the timelines, costs, and safeguards related to such alleged actions. The government has yet to issue an official response to Mwangi's latest allegations.

The allegations by Boniface Mwangi highlight ongoing tensions between civil society and the state regarding freedom of expression and the right to protest. Unanswered questions remain about the specific individuals or entities allegedly involved in the threats, the nature of the evidence gathered by Mwangi's legal team, and the official government stance on these serious accusations.

What to Watch

The coming weeks will likely see increased scrutiny from human rights organisations and international bodies regarding the safety of activists in Kenya. Observers will be watching for any official statements from the government, further actions by Mwangi and his legal team, and the potential for public demonstrations in response to these allegations. The unfolding situation could have significant implications for Kenya's democratic space and its commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms.