In a move that shifts his decades-long fight from the streets to the ballot box, renowned activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi has officially declared his candidacy for the Kenyan presidency in the 2027 general election.
Making the announcement at the historically significant Ufungamano House—a venue emblematic of Kenya’s enduring struggle for good governance—Mwangi framed his bid as a necessary escalation in the battle to change the nation’s political status quo and root out systemic corruption.
The declaration, made as the country marked 15 years of the constitution at a separate event, was delivered to an audience of fellow governance champions. Mwangi stated that his decision is a direct response to the cries of a generation demanding better leadership.
“Young Kenyans are demanding better leadership and the time for change has come,” Mwangi said, referencing the recent wave of youth-led anti-government protests. “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.”
His political awakening was forged in tragedy, having documented the horrific 2007/2008 post-election violence as a photojournalist. He now issues a stark warning, claiming the country is “on the brink of collapse.”
“Nothing is working in this country,” he asserted, channeling the frustration of many citizens. “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?”
Laying out his vision under the slogan “Mwanzo Mpya” (Kiswahili for “A New Beginning”), Mwangi made sweeping promises for his prospective administration. He vowed to recover all wealth acquired illegally and redirect those resources to provide free education, universal healthcare, and clean water for all Kenyans.
His announcement was met with powerful endorsements from both family and high-profile allies. His son, Nate Mwangi, who will be eligible to vote for the first time in 2027, shared a poignant message of generational change.
“In 2027, I will get the first chance to register as a voter,” Nate remarked. “My generation has shown that we are ready to give our strength, commitment, and even our lives to achieve a prosperous Kenya.”
The message of change also resonated with established figures, garnering public support from former Makueni Governor Professor Kivutha Kibwana and Auma Obama, the sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama.
With his candidacy now official, Mwangi embarks on a nationwide tour, aiming to transform the energy of street protests into a formidable political movement poised for what he believes will be a historic “ballot revolution.”
