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| Activist Boniface Mwangi |
Kenyan photojournalist Boniface Mwangi and several activists were arrested on Tuesday during the Occupy Parliament protests.
They had chained themselves to a handcart. Also arrested were Mathius Shipeta and Ngatia Kimathi. They were taken to Kamukunji police station but released after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions found no charges against them.
Boniface Mwangi expressed gratitude to Kenyans: “We thank you for your overwhelming love and support. The struggle continues. We are here because of ourselves, the taxpayers.”
Looking forward, Boniface announced plans for Thursday: “Tomorrow, Kenyans across the country will take to the streets.
We have been released without charges and will go to the central police to retrieve our handcart. So, tomorrow we ask you to come with your handcart and wheelbarrow, carry your pots, and those sanitary towels they want to tax. Let’s make it colorful.”
Here’s what you need to know about Boniface:
- He is 40 years old.
- Married to Hellen Njeri Mwangi, he is a father of three kids, two boys and a girl.
- Boniface is an internationally recognized photographer.
- He authored the book titled “Unbounded.”
- He established “Picha Mtaani,” a photography traveling exhibition showcasing images of post-election violence.
- In 2012, he founded PAWA254, a hub for Kenyan creatives, including journalists, artists, and activists.
- Boniface has had various jobs, including as a bus-park sweeper, houseboy, and hawker.
- He has twice won the CNN Multichoice Africa Photojournalist of the Year Award.
- He is the youngest Prince Claus Laureate.
- New African Magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2014 and 2016.
- He is a senior TED Fellow.
- Time magazine recognized him as a Next Generation Leader in 2015.