I was hit, chased away for asking protesters to go home – Boniface Mwangi

"l was punched in the face for requesting people to disperse."

In Summary
  • He went on to say that he only escaped the crowd after he managed to enter a building in town before the security officials closed it down.
  • Mwangi added that those who vandalised government buildings and lit fires in various parts of the city and other parts of the country were hired goons. He did not say by who.
Activist Boniface Mwangi addresses journalists outside Milimani Law Courts after the DPP found no charges against him and four others on June 19, 2024.
Activist Boniface Mwangi addresses journalists outside Milimani Law Courts after the DPP found no charges against him and four others on June 19, 2024.
Image: FILE

Activist Boniface Mwangi now says that he was hit in the face and chased away by a crowd of protesters on Tuesday.

According to Mwangi, this happened as he tried to tell the protesters to disperse and go home after 4 pm, following the anti-Finance Bill protests.

He went on to say that he only escaped the crowd after he managed to enter a building in town before the security officials closed it down.

"After 4 pm, we started telling people to go home. l was punched in the face for requesting people to disperse, chased away by a crowd, and was only saved by running into the I & M building. l managed to get into the building thanks to the security guys who opened it for me," Mwangi said.

He, however, defended the protesters saying that they were peaceful.

Mwangi added that those who vandalised government buildings and lit fires in various parts of the city and other parts of the country were hired goons. He did not say by who.

"The invasion of government buildings, and the fires that were lit all over the city and the rest of the country yesterday, was not the work of peaceful protesters but of paid goons," he said.

The activist further noted that this can be confirmed from the CCTV footage of the I&M building since the same people who chased him tried to force entry into the building.

"My assault was captured by many people, and if you’re one of those who captured it, please share. Those who assaulted me wanted to break into I & M. The security footage from the building can collaborate this," Mwangi said.

Tuesday's protests, which were the most heated led to the loss of lives.

During the protests, a section of Parliament was set ablaze by unknown people as the protesters overpowered police to gain access.

A section of City Hall was also set ablaze as various other parts were lit.

Looting was also reported in various parts of the city with business people waking up to many losses.

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