Activist Boniface Mwangi has been released from police custody after spending the night in jail following his Sunday morning arrest.
Human Rights Activist Hussein Khalid on Monday confirmed the activist's release with a touching video of Mwangi reuniting with his wife and children. Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua was also present at the reunion.
Mwangi had been taken to Kamukunji Police Station.
“I can confirm firmly that Boniface Mwangi has been freed with no charges. Wife, children and friends were there during his release," Khalid stated.
Mwangi had been arrested on Sunday for making remarks about plans to infiltrate the Standard Chartered Marathon which were construed as inciting.
Earlier in the day, it had been reported that the police were considering whether to charge him in court or release him without charge, and according to recent reports, he has been released without any charges.
On Sunday morning, Mwangi’s wife, Njeri Mwangi confirmed that he had been abducted by unknown people who had barged into his home at around 7.15 am and taken off with him without any arrest warrant or explanation on where they were taking him.
The couple's children were reportedly left unattended when the unknown people took off with Mwangi.
"This morning at around 7.15, six uninformed people went to courage base and forcefully took my husband from the house. I have no idea who, why or where they have taken him," Njeri wrote.
Almost instantly, ordinary Kenyans and human rights groups alike started calling for his release and after tracing him in several police stations, Mwangi was reported to have been held at Kamukunji police station.
His Saturday post urging Kenyans to occupy the StanChart Marathon and protest against the Kenya Kwanza administration is said to have been what led to his abrupt arrest.
"Will you show up to cheer friends at the Standard Chartered marathon? You are a crucial part of the race; your cheering will motivate and energise the athletes and help reform our country in the process," Mwangi wrote.
Mwangi had then asked his supporters to utilise the national flag and the national colours as part of their sports gear, as well as bring placards with a message to the Ruto administration which he often heavily criticizes.
