Speaking on Wednesday, August 27, during the celebration of Katiba Day, renowned activist Boniface Mwangi declared his intention to seek Kenya's highest office in the 2027 general elections.
Mwangi chose the symbolic occasion of the first-ever Katiba Day - established by President William Ruto to commemorate the promulgation of Kenya's 2010 Constitution - to make his presidential announcement.
"We are gathered here today to fulfill the Katiba and see how it can be fulfilled to the letter. I have selected this special day to announce that I will be running for the president of the Republic of Kenya," Mwangi declared to the gathering.
The activist, known for his human rights advocacy and anti-corruption campaigns, expressed his deep commitment to the country while painting a stark picture of Kenya's current state.
"I deeply love our country as you do, and like everyone else who came before us and sacrificed so much so we could be here today, and the people who met in this room many years ago to pass this Katiba that was born from toil, bloodshed, and tears. Now we must work together to ensure it lives in spirit," he said.
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Mwangi delivered a scathing critique of the country's current leadership and economic situation, arguing that Kenya is on a dangerous trajectory.
"Our country is broken and in danger of becoming a failed state. Nothing is working in this country. People are struggling. We are being forced to tighten our belts, but I'm asking, how long are we going to tighten our belts?" he questioned.
The activist took direct aim at President Ruto's administration, accusing the current leadership of lawbreaking and misplaced priorities.
"You have a president who is a lawbreaker. You cannot personalize a state to your own identity," Mwangi stated, adding, "We cannot be talking about building churches in public property worth billions of shillings. At the same time, children go to bad classrooms, while Kenyans sleep hungry."
Further, Mwangi launched his manifesto, promising that his government would uphold the constitution of Kenya while serving the people.
"My dream for Kenya is possible. Education will be free from Kindergarten to University, and there will be free, quality healthcare for all, and water will be free for all in Kenya. Finally, I will build a country that is safe for everything," he promised. "All this will be possible because in my administration, there will be no corruption."
Mwangi also condemned what he described as the brutal treatment of young protesters in recent demonstrations, criticizing the government's handling of peaceful protesters.
"The true criminals are protected while our youths are brutalized for carrying flags and water," he said, referring to the treatment of peaceful protesters during recent anti-government demonstrations.
His announcement comes as Katiba Day was observed for the first time as a national commemorative day.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby proclaim THAT: 27th August, 2025, and every 27th Day in August forever thereafter shall be observed as "Katiba Day" in commemoration of the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” Ruto announced in a proclamation.
Mwangi joins a growing list of individuals who have declared their intention to seek the presidency in 2027. Political activist Reuben Kigame, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, and former Chief Justice David Maraga have also announced their presidential bids.
