Boniface Mwangi is widely regarded as one of the most courageous and outspoken Kenyans of his generation. A globally recognized photographer and activist, Mwangi’s journey into activism was catalyzed by the traumatic events of the 2008 Post-Election Violence, which he witnessed firsthand. Armed with his camera, he documented the brutality and suffering experienced by disadvantaged Kenyans, an experience that profoundly changed his life and led him to dedicate himself to fighting for justice.
In response to the violence, Boniface launched Picha Mtaani, a traveling photography exhibition that captured the harsh realities of the unrest. The exhibition toured across Kenya, drawing in over two million people. It provided a powerful platform for reflection, healing, and dialogue, encouraging Kenyans to confront the painful truths of the violence and seek community reconciliation.
In 2012, Boniface founded PAWA254, a groundbreaking creative hub in Nairobi that brings together journalists, artists, and activists to collaborate on innovative approaches to social change. PAWA254 has since become a beacon for creative activism in Kenya, empowering the youth and marginalized voices to stand up against oppression and demand accountability from those in power.
At just 38 years old, Boniface has been imprisoned numerous times for his fearless efforts to call out government corruption and human rights violations. His relentless fight for justice has earned him both admiration and animosity. While many Kenyans support his cause, his activism has also made him a target for threats, harassment, and violence from powerful political figures. These hostilities have taken a toll not only on Boniface but also on his wife, Njeri, and their three children, who have faced intimidation as a result of his outspoken stance.
Boniface's rise to prominence is all the more remarkable given his challenging upbringing. Raised in poverty, he worked as a bus-park sweeper, house-boy, and hawker, and even served time in an Approved School. Yet, through sheer determination and entrepreneurial spirit, he broke free from the cycle of poverty and discovered his passion for photography, which would later become his tool for social change.
Boniface’s work has earned him widespread recognition. He is a two-time winner of the CNN Multichoice Africa Photojournalist of the Year Award and the youngest recipient of the prestigious Prince Claus Award. He has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine in 2014, 2016, and 2020. Time magazine honored him as a Next Generation Leader in 2015, and he was listed in Kenya’s Top 40 under 40 in 2016. Boniface also received the Luxembourg Peace Prize in 2020/21 and is currently a Tutu Fellow.
Despite facing immense personal and professional challenges, Boniface Mwangi continues to lead a spirited campaign against Kenya’s corrupt and oppressive systems. What began as a lone battle has now grown into a movement, with many Kenyans rallying behind his vision of a just and equitable society.
Boniface is also the author of Unbounded, a riveting memoir that chronicles his incredible journey from poverty to becoming one of Kenya’s most influential voices for change. He and his wife, Njeri Mwangi, are proud parents to three beautiful children, whom they continue to raise with the same values of courage and integrity that define his life’s work.
Boniface Mwangi’s unwavering commitment to justice and social change continues to inspire, reminding us all that one voice can spark a movement.
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