Human Rights activist Boniface Mwangi is a household name in Nairobi’s activism and political circles.
The 35-year-old trained photographer is never afraid of speaking out his mind.
The politician-cum-activist unsuccessfully contested for the Starehe Parliamentary seat in 2017.
Mwangi has often found himself in the wrong hands of the law pushing for respect to human rights, accountability and an end to corruption.
Here is what you didn’t know about the famous city activist.
1. Birth
The award-winning photo-journalist was born on in 1983 in Taita Taveta.
Mwangi moved from Taita Taveta to his grandmother’s home in Nyeri when he was six years.
2. Lived in Ngara
Mwangi left her grandmother’s home in Nyeri and joined her mother in Ngara where they used to sale secondhand books.
3. Dropped out of school
The activist says that he several times dropped out of school to help her mother do business for their livelihood.
4. Studied Bible Studies
In 2000 after his mother's death, Mwangi says that he joined a Bible School with intention of becoming a Man of God.
The activist says he studied and secured a Diploma in Bible Studies before developing an interest in journalism specifically photography.
5. Photography
He was influenced to be a photographer by Mohamed Amin, a known photographer.
Mwangi funded his journalist career by selling second-hand books.
In 2005, he started publishing photos in the Standard Newspaper.
Mwangi says that the 2007/2008 post-election violence was the turning point for his career and life.
He took photos as violence erupted in Nairobi and the emotional torture he went through pushed him into social justice activism.
He quit his photography job after the 2007/2008 post-poll chaos to focus on pushing for social justice, respect to human rights and an end to corruption.
6. Awards
Mwangi has won several local and international awards for his push for social justice.
7. Politics
In 2017, Mwangi formed his Ukweli Party and declared interest for the Starehe Parliamentary seat.
He lost in the election.
8.Family
Boniface Mwangi is married to Hellen Njeri Mwangi and are blessed with three children.
9. Ambitions
Mwangi says that his ambition is to continue pushing for social justice and end to corruption through various programs that he funds.
10. Hobbies
Mwangi loves reading novels and meeting new people.
The activist is among famous people city youth look up to as role models.
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