Activist Boniface Mwangi has officially declared his candidacy for Kenya’s presidency in 2027, choosing Ufungamano House as the venue for his announcement. The location, known for its role in Kenya’s history of governance reform, underscored his call for a new political direction. Mwangi tied the launch to the Katiba celebrations, marking 15 years of the constitution, where he urged Kenyans to embrace what he termed a “ballot revolution.”
Why is Boniface Mwangi running for president?
Mwangi said his decision stems from frustrations with the country’s leadership, corruption, and the struggles facing ordinary citizens. “We sat down after the July protests and said we are losing too many kids, attending too many funerals. We realised one thing: they can’t out-organise us. So we stopped agonising and started organising for a ballot revolution,” he explained.
His activism, rooted in the aftermath of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, which he documented as a photojournalist, continues to drive his political mission. Warning that the nation is on the edge of collapse, he stated, “Nothing is working in this country. A vast majority of us are struggling with the high cost of living. Taxes are choking us to death, pushing families deeper into poverty and forcing businesses to close. We are told to tighten our belts, but for how much longer?”
What promises has Mwangi made?
If elected, Mwangi pledged to recover illegally acquired wealth and channel it toward public services. His vision includes free education, universal healthcare, and access to clean water for all Kenyans. His campaign slogan, “Mwanzo Mpya,” captures his focus on renewal and breaking away from entrenched systems of corruption.
Who is supporting Mwangi’s candidacy?
Mwangi’s family stood by him at the launch, with his son Nate declaring his readiness to vote for the first time in 2027. “In 2027, I will get the first chance to register as a voter. My generation has shown that we are ready to give our strength, commitment, and even our lives to achieve a prosperous Kenya,” Nate said.
Former Makueni governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana and Auma Obama, sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, also endorsed his message of change. Mwangi now prepares for a nationwide tour to rally young Kenyans and build momentum toward his 2027 campaign.
By Lucky Anyanje