Activist and Award-winning photojournalist Boniface Mwangi is said to have been arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to his social media post seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Mwangi was apprehended from his home on Monday morning.
Mwangi disclosed that he was immediately taken to the Central Police Station even though he was yet to be told the reason for his arrest.
“I have been arrested by @DCI_Kenya from my house. We are headed to Central Police Station. I haven't been told the reason for my arrest,” his Twitter post read.
Explaining the reason for his arrest, Chief Inspector of Police George Muchiri stated that the police were investigating an alleged organization of a revolution by Mwangi, likely to cause civil unrest and a break down in peace.
“I George Muchiri, a Chief Inspector of Police attached to DCI office in Central Police Station and inquiry into the alleged organization of a revolution likely to cause civil unrest and cause a break down in peace.I have reason to believe that you Boniface Mwangi have information that may assist me with the inquiry.
"Caution: You are not obliged to state anything but should you state down anything, it will be taken down in writing and may be used as evidence,” his statement read.
In response, Mwangi stated, “I am the above named and blessed with children. I have understood the question raised by the inquiry but I have nothing to say. That is all I have for now.”
Journalist Teddy Eugene, via his social media, claimed that Mwangi was locked up in room 11 at Central Police Station where the detectives closed the door from inside denying him access to his lawyer.
A police officer privy to the arrest disclosed to the Nation that Mwangi was arrested for being “careless.”
“He has been arrested for being careless, we shall reveal more later,” the officer stated.
Reports by Citizen further indicate that Mwangi's arrest could be related to the recent protest against corruption held at Uhuru Park dubbed #BeyondZeroCorruption.
One of the protesters, Bettie Wa Shiro, was arrested following the April 30 demonstrations and former photojournalist-turned-activist is believed to have been instrumental in securing her release.
On May 1, the former Starehe parliamentary aspirant reportedly led a group of human rights activists that camped and lit candles at the Central Police Station following Bettie’s arrest.
UPDATE:
Barely two hours after his arrest, the police released Mwangi even as Martin Kobina, the DCIO at Central Police Station denied reports that the activist had been arrested.
The police boss added that no DCI officers went to the Human rights activist's house to arrest him.
