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Photojournalist & Activist
Boniface Mwangi is a Kenyan photojournalist and activist who first came to prominence for his searing images of the 2007–08 post-election violence. He has since become one of the country’s most vocal campaigners for social justice, democracy, and accountability, organizing nationwide protests against corruption and impunity.
View Count
147
County
Taita-Taveta
Birth Year
1983
Get to know the story behind the profile.
Boniface Mwangi is a Kenyan photojournalist and activist who first came to prominence for his searing images of the 2007–08 post-election violence. He has since become one of the country’s most vocal campaigners for social justice, democracy, and accountability, organizing nationwide protests against corruption and impunity. Beyond activism, Mwangi ventured into politics, contesting a parliamentary seat in Nairobi, though he was not elected.
Highlights that showcase impact and influence.
Internationally recognized for his activism and journalism; TIME named him among the 100 most influential people in the world (2016).
Founded a social enterprise supporting artists.
Won CNN Africa Photojournalist of the Year twice (2008, 2010).
Prince Claus Award (2012), recognizing his innovative use of art and media in promoting social justice
Founded Picha Mtaani (2009), a mobile street exhibition of violence photographs seen by over 600,000 people to foster reconciliation
Organized disruptive, symbolic protests—such as hurling pig blood or donkeys into public spaces—to spotlight corruption and political complacency
Named in TIME’s Next Generation Leaders (2015)
A timeline of pivotal roles and responsibilities.
2005: Staff photographer at The Standard (four years).
2007–2008: Documented Kenya’s post-election violence; work drew global attention
2008 & 2010: Won CNN MultiChoice Africa Photojournalist of the Yea
2009: Created Picha Mtaani, a national street photo exhibition for dialogue and healing.
2011: Founded PAWA254, a Nairobi art-activism hub (artivism, training, civic action).
2012–2015: Expanded civic campaigns; received international recognition (e.g., Prince Claus Award; TIME Next Generation Leaders)
2020: Featured in Softie, award-winning documentary (Sundance Special Jury Award for Editing).
2024–2025: Continued high-profile activism; multiple arrests amid protest crackdowns.
Aug 27, 2025: Declared a 2027 presidential bid at Ufungamano House on Katiba Day.
Key events that have shaped public perception.
In May 2019 he was arrested for allegedly organizing a 'revolution', a case dropped by courts.
In October 2016, Mwangi publicly implicated then–Deputy President William Ruto in the murder of critic Jacob Juma. Ruto responded by suing him for defamation. Later, Mwangi faced accusations of witness coaching and fabricating allegations—claims he couldn’t substantiate in court.
While observing a treason trial in Dar es Salaam, Mwangi was arrested and deported. He and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire reported being tortured and sexually assaulted by Tanzanian security forces. Rights groups and KNCHR intervened.
On July 19, 2025, the DCI arrested Mwangi at his home and office, citing terrorism-related charges tied to protests. Authorities initially accused him of “facilitating terrorist acts,” later dropping that charge under pressure and replacing it with unlawful possession of ammunition (three tear-gas canisters and a 7.62 mm blank round).
Pro-government figures circulated claims that Mwangi was a foreign-funded impostor—a narrative he firmly rejected.
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