Activist Boniface Mwangi Arrested Outside Parliament Over Anti-Finance Bill Protest
Incident Summary
Late Tuesday evening, activist Boniface Mwangi and a group of about five other protesters were arrested while leading demonstrations against the contentious Finance Bill, 2024. The arrest occurred just outside Parliament buildings, where the protesters had chained themselves to a cart carrying a giant symbolic briefcase labeled ‘Finance Bill’ and adorned with the Kenyan coat of arms.
Arrest and Detention
Mwangi and his fellow protesters were intercepted by armed police officers who accused them of being “criminals.” They were bundled into a police vehicle and driven to Kamukunji police station, where they were locked up. Despite efforts by lawyers and relatives to secure their release, they remained in custody late into the night. Mwangi was a marked man throughout the day, with police trailing him closely. In a related move, police raided his private office along Ngong Road and detained some of his staff, although they were not participating in the protests.
Protest Details
The protest, dubbed “Occupy Parliament,” aimed to oppose the Finance Bill, 2024. The group transported their symbolic cart into Nairobi’s Central Business District via a lorry before hauling it across the streets while chanting “People power, people power!” Despite being pursued by anti-riot police, they continued their march towards Parliament until their interception just a few meters away.
Police Response
Throughout the day, the police were actively involved in dispersing the protesters using tear gas canisters. The majority of those arrested, including a larger group detained at Central police station, were released unconditionally following orders from higher authorities. This release followed attempts by lawyers and relatives to secure their freedom, which at times led to confrontations with police involving the use of tear gas.
Public Reaction and Aftermath
The actions of the police, especially the use of force and detention of protesters, attracted condemnation from various quarters. A relative of Mwangi reported that he and his colleagues were detained over claims of resisting arrest. The city center witnessed chaos for most of Tuesday as protesters demanded the withdrawal of the proposed taxes in the Finance Bill, 2024.
Conclusion
Boniface Mwangi’s arrest highlights the tension between the Kenyan government and citizens opposed to the Finance Bill, 2024. Despite heavy-handed police tactics, the determination and peaceful approach of the protesters, particularly the younger generation, have drawn significant public support and attention to their cause.
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