Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka/HANDOUTWiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi.
In a statement after Mwangi’s arrest from his home in Lukenya, Kalonzo said he has instructed lawyers from the opposition to ensure he is released as soon as possible.
He went on to say that this is part of the reason he will not dialogue with the current administration.
“I will never join this rogue and criminal regime, and I refuse to participate in any type of dialogue with a regime that has our children's blood on its hands.
“I also strongly condemn the arrest of civil rights activist Boniface Mwangi, a bold and fearless advocate for truth and justice. I have directed our legal team to do everything they can to ensure his release at the earliest time possible,” Kalonzo said.
Mwangi was arrested on Saturday.
His wife, Njeri Mwangi, confirmed his arrest, saying police officers seized his electronic devices and linked him to alleged acts of “terrorism and arson.”
“They say they are investigating him over claims of terrorism and arson. We don’t know more about these claims, but we will know,” she said.
The arrest came a day after he and Agather Atuhaire, a Ugandan lawyer and journalist, filed a petition at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) against the governments of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and the Secretary General of the East African Community.
Human rights activist and Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid raised concerns over the whereabouts of Mwangi hours after reports emerged that he had been arrested.
In a statement posted on social media on Saturday evening, Khalid claimed that Mwangi was no longer traceable, despite efforts to follow what was believed to be his arrest by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
"Comrades, Boniface Mwangi is now missing," Khalid posted. "We lost the DCI cars in traffic, and when we got to the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, we were told they’re not here. His whereabouts are now unknown."
He called on the DCI to clarify Mwangi’s location and the reasons for his reported arrest.
As of the time of publishing, the DCI had not issued an official statement regarding the matter.
