Boniface Mwangi Announces 2027 Presidential Candidacy
Quote from Lawyer on August 28, 2025, 8:00 amOn August 27, 2025, activist and social justice advocate Boniface Mwangi officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of Kenya in the 2027 General Election. Speaking at Ufungamano House in Nairobi during Katiba Day celebrations, Mwangi outlined his vision for a "new Kenya" rooted in justice, equity, and democratic values. His announcement marks a significant shift from his role as a prominent protest leader to an electoral candidate, aiming to channel the momentum of youth-led movements into a transformative political force.
Mwangi, a lifelong human rights advocate, emphasized the urgent need for leadership that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary Kenyans. He called for policies that translate the aspirations of citizens into tangible outcomes, addressing systemic issues such as corruption, poverty, and misrule. "Our country is broken and in danger of becoming a failed state. Nothing is working. A vast majority are struggling with the crippling high cost of living, and taxes are choking us to death," Mwangi stated, highlighting the economic and governance challenges facing the nation.
Reflecting on the 15th anniversary of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, Mwangi likened it to a "baby" betrayed by those entrusted with its care. He criticized successive administrations for undermining the Constitution’s promises, stating, "We gave birth to a beautiful baby called the Kenyan Katiba and gave it to child traffickers. Since that time, we’ve been trying to fulfill and implement the Constitution, but the people in power have been trying to kill that baby." He expressed optimism, however, noting that the Constitution remains alive and that collective action can ensure its principles thrive for future generations.
Mwangi’s campaign is anchored on inclusivity, accountability, and unity across ethnic and generational divides. He pledged to prioritize quality healthcare, free education, access to clean water, and justice for victims of state brutality. His policy vision aims to break from the political status quo, offering an alternative to the entrenched political class. "The future of our country is in our hands and no one else’s," he declared, urging Kenyans to actively participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.
The activist also paid tribute to the young lives lost during the recent Gen Z protests, describing them as martyrs for change. "Young lives were cut short by a murderous state. We shall forever remember those young people. We shall honor their sacrifice. It was not in vain," he said, referencing the youth-led demonstrations that have challenged the government over the past two years. Mwangi’s candidacy seeks to harness this protest energy, particularly among Kenya’s youth, into a cohesive electoral movement.
Mwangi’s announcement adds him to a growing list of candidates vying to become Kenya’s sixth president in the August 2027 election. Other declared candidates include Senator Okiya Omtatah and former Chief Justice David Maraga, while incumbent President William Ruto has expressed his intention to seek re-election. A coalition of opposition leaders, including two former deputy presidents, is also expected to field a candidate. Mwangi’s candidacy will need approval from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which qualifies all candidates.
The activist’s political journey is not new. In 2017, Mwangi ran unsuccessfully for parliament on an anti-corruption platform. His outspoken stance against human rights violations, both in Kenya and abroad, has earned him a reputation as a fearless advocate. However, his activism has also drawn challenges. In July 2025, Mwangi faced charges of possessing teargas canisters and a single rifle round, which he denied, calling the prosecution a "big shame" and alleging a lack of evidence. Earlier in May, he was expelled from Tanzania while observing a treason case hearing involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Mwangi has also reported surviving a foiled abduction attempt, underscoring the risks he faces as a vocal government critic.
Born on July 10, 1983, in Taveta, Kenya, near the Tanzania border, Mwangi’s early life was marked by hardship. Raised by a businesswoman mother who traded across the border, he lived with his grandparents in Nyeri before moving to Nairobi’s low-income Ngara suburb. After his mother’s death in 2000, Mwangi, then 17, turned his life around, earning a diploma in biblical studies with aspirations of becoming a pastor. His career as a photojournalist, capturing Kenya’s 2007-2008 post-election violence, propelled him into the national spotlight, cementing his role as a social-political activist.
Mwangi’s presidential bid comes at a time of heightened political tension in Kenya. Recent protests, driven by Gen Z activists, have shaken the political establishment, raising questions about whether their momentum can translate into electoral success. Observers note that Mwangi’s campaign could galvanize a protest vote or expose the challenges of converting activism into political power. His emphasis on citizen participation and systemic change positions him as a formidable voice in the race to State House.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 polls, Mwangi’s message resonates with those disillusioned by the status quo. "Our leadership has failed us in numerous ways. You pay taxes expecting service, or you’re supposed to pay bribes to get that same service," he said, calling for Kenyans to reclaim their country. With a platform centered on justice, equity, and accountability, Mwangi aims to inspire a movement that delivers Kenya’s "third liberation."
On August 27, 2025, activist and social justice advocate Boniface Mwangi officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of Kenya in the 2027 General Election. Speaking at Ufungamano House in Nairobi during Katiba Day celebrations, Mwangi outlined his vision for a "new Kenya" rooted in justice, equity, and democratic values. His announcement marks a significant shift from his role as a prominent protest leader to an electoral candidate, aiming to channel the momentum of youth-led movements into a transformative political force.
Mwangi, a lifelong human rights advocate, emphasized the urgent need for leadership that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary Kenyans. He called for policies that translate the aspirations of citizens into tangible outcomes, addressing systemic issues such as corruption, poverty, and misrule. "Our country is broken and in danger of becoming a failed state. Nothing is working. A vast majority are struggling with the crippling high cost of living, and taxes are choking us to death," Mwangi stated, highlighting the economic and governance challenges facing the nation.
Reflecting on the 15th anniversary of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, Mwangi likened it to a "baby" betrayed by those entrusted with its care. He criticized successive administrations for undermining the Constitution’s promises, stating, "We gave birth to a beautiful baby called the Kenyan Katiba and gave it to child traffickers. Since that time, we’ve been trying to fulfill and implement the Constitution, but the people in power have been trying to kill that baby." He expressed optimism, however, noting that the Constitution remains alive and that collective action can ensure its principles thrive for future generations.
Mwangi’s campaign is anchored on inclusivity, accountability, and unity across ethnic and generational divides. He pledged to prioritize quality healthcare, free education, access to clean water, and justice for victims of state brutality. His policy vision aims to break from the political status quo, offering an alternative to the entrenched political class. "The future of our country is in our hands and no one else’s," he declared, urging Kenyans to actively participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.
The activist also paid tribute to the young lives lost during the recent Gen Z protests, describing them as martyrs for change. "Young lives were cut short by a murderous state. We shall forever remember those young people. We shall honor their sacrifice. It was not in vain," he said, referencing the youth-led demonstrations that have challenged the government over the past two years. Mwangi’s candidacy seeks to harness this protest energy, particularly among Kenya’s youth, into a cohesive electoral movement.
Mwangi’s announcement adds him to a growing list of candidates vying to become Kenya’s sixth president in the August 2027 election. Other declared candidates include Senator Okiya Omtatah and former Chief Justice David Maraga, while incumbent President William Ruto has expressed his intention to seek re-election. A coalition of opposition leaders, including two former deputy presidents, is also expected to field a candidate. Mwangi’s candidacy will need approval from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which qualifies all candidates.
The activist’s political journey is not new. In 2017, Mwangi ran unsuccessfully for parliament on an anti-corruption platform. His outspoken stance against human rights violations, both in Kenya and abroad, has earned him a reputation as a fearless advocate. However, his activism has also drawn challenges. In July 2025, Mwangi faced charges of possessing teargas canisters and a single rifle round, which he denied, calling the prosecution a "big shame" and alleging a lack of evidence. Earlier in May, he was expelled from Tanzania while observing a treason case hearing involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Mwangi has also reported surviving a foiled abduction attempt, underscoring the risks he faces as a vocal government critic.
Born on July 10, 1983, in Taveta, Kenya, near the Tanzania border, Mwangi’s early life was marked by hardship. Raised by a businesswoman mother who traded across the border, he lived with his grandparents in Nyeri before moving to Nairobi’s low-income Ngara suburb. After his mother’s death in 2000, Mwangi, then 17, turned his life around, earning a diploma in biblical studies with aspirations of becoming a pastor. His career as a photojournalist, capturing Kenya’s 2007-2008 post-election violence, propelled him into the national spotlight, cementing his role as a social-political activist.
Mwangi’s presidential bid comes at a time of heightened political tension in Kenya. Recent protests, driven by Gen Z activists, have shaken the political establishment, raising questions about whether their momentum can translate into electoral success. Observers note that Mwangi’s campaign could galvanize a protest vote or expose the challenges of converting activism into political power. His emphasis on citizen participation and systemic change positions him as a formidable voice in the race to State House.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 polls, Mwangi’s message resonates with those disillusioned by the status quo. "Our leadership has failed us in numerous ways. You pay taxes expecting service, or you’re supposed to pay bribes to get that same service," he said, calling for Kenyans to reclaim their country. With a platform centered on justice, equity, and accountability, Mwangi aims to inspire a movement that delivers Kenya’s "third liberation."