Activist Boniface Mwangi opened up about his harrowing experiences during the anti-government protests that swept the nation earlier this year, revealing that the trauma from witnessing violence against peaceful demonstrators nearly drove him to take his own life. In a deeply personal social media post, Mwangi shared the weight of the anguish he felt after the tragic events that unfolded in July, describing a journey that took him to the brink of despair.
On August 3, 2024, Mwangi found himself in a dark place, even going as far as signing his will, believing he could no longer endure the pain and grief he had experienced. “I wanted to exit this world for good,” he confessed, overwhelmed by the brutality inflicted upon innocent Kenyans by the State.
While he grappled with suicidal thoughts, it was the unwavering support of his family and friends that pulled him back from the edge. They encouraged him to seek professional help, helping him realign his purpose in the fight for better governance. “Now, I have a fresh lease on life,” he stated, expressing gratitude for the love that surrounded him during his darkest hours.
In his powerful narrative, Mwangi held nothing back, condemning President William Ruto’s administration for its failure to uphold promises and protect its citizens. He characterized the violence against demonstrators as a disgrace, emphasizing that the government had resorted to labeling peaceful protestors as criminals to justify their actions.
“The Ruto regime ruthlessly massacred innocent citizens for nothing other than expressing love for their country,” he asserted. Mwangi further condemned the government’s attempts to cover up the harsh realities faced by those who dared to speak out, noting how many brave citizens had to go into hiding for fear of abduction.
The activist also highlighted the chilling reality of over 60 people who have gone missing since the protests began, a situation he insists is a blatant lie propagated by the authorities. “They want us to believe that these people simply vanished,” he said, pointing out the deafening silence from those who should be demanding accountability.
His own brushes with danger—including three arrests since June—only fueled his resolve. “I will not be cowed,” he declared. “I refuse to die in vain.”
As Mwangi rallied his supporters to stay united against oppression, he also addressed the emotional toll these events have taken on citizens. He called for empathy and support for whistleblowers and activists, urging Kenyans to stand against those who prioritize their self-interest over the welfare of the nation.
With unwavering determination, Mwangi closed his message with a call to action: “We must support those fighting for change and defend them against online attacks.” The fight for a better Kenya continues, and together, he believes they can bring about the necessary change.
