Boniface Mwangi Unfiltered Dive into Boniface Mwangi’s podcast interview with Cleaning The Airwaves.
Listen NowAbout Boniface Mwangi
Boniface Mwangi has consistently put his safety at risk in defense of victims of injustice - men, women and children he doesn't know in person. Not afraid to pay the ultimate price fighting to correct the great political, economic and social problems bedeviling Kenya, Boniface Mwangi believes every human being has the right to justice, equity and freedom.
He has consistently spoken for and fought for the rights of the many ordinary citizens of his country, Kenya, who continue to face insurmountable systemic challenges in their desperate attempts to make a livelihood and to access basic goods and services.
He leverages his social media influence to address social ills and to inspire everyday Kenyans to aspire for a greater, better nation. Daring to go where others fear is a recurring theme in his life. Courage is a language he speaks fluently. His denunciations of corruption and impunity are strident convictions. He never wavers even in the face of big riot police batons.
He has engaged in various capacities with local and international brands such as Safaricom, Apple, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in an open and transparent fashion.
Boniface Mwangi is all too familiar with the struggles of the ordinary Kenyan. He has worked as a bus-park sweeper, house-boy and hawker. He even served time in Approved School. At 38, he has been a guest of the state on many occasions for championing justice and calling out powerful leaders for their wanton corruption and blatant violation of human rights.
This has earned him friends and foes alike. His commitment to promote social change has come at a heavy price.
As a husband and father, his wife and children have endured hostilities from different quarters. Despite monumental odds, he has risen, discovering photography at a young age and applying his entrepreneurial brilliance to break free from the clutches of poverty. Those who have worked with Boniface Mwangi can attest to his diligence, compassion and self-drive. Boniface and his wife, Njeri Mwangi, are the loving parents of 3 adorable children.
He is the author of Unbounded a poignant and riveting memoir that captures his incredible journey. Boniface Mwangi continues to wage a spirited campaign against oppressive establishments. sive est Although at one point he stood alone, today his movement has gained traction with many-inspired by his vision and consistency – adding their voices to champion for a better Kenya.
Globally recognized and award-winning photographer with demonstrable entrepreneurial acumen having organized solo exhibitions throughout Germany and USA.
Tirelessly brought to the fore stories that may otherwise have remained untold.
Providing public lectures across Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Congo, Ghana, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, The United Nations, as well as colleges in Germany and the US such as Harvard University, Yale University, University of Bayreuth, Austin College, Occidental College, University of Delaware, University of San Francisco and Rutgers University.
His TED talk “The day I stood alone” has been watched by over 1.5 million people.
A well-known activist who has trained activists and organised effective protests against corruption, land grabbing and impunity in Kenya. A leading voice in demanding the rights of Kenyans to justice, a good quality of life, to jobs and to good governance. Ran for public office in Nairobi’s Starehe Constituency for Member of Parliament (MP). Mounted a campaign that was considered the most innovative in Kenya. The campaign included training other aspiring young politicians and students.
Articulate communicator: fluent in English and Kiswahili.
Awards
Recognizing Dedication, Impact, and Leadership in Advocacy
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2024 : Human Rights Defender of the Year Award | Defenders Coalition
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2024 : Top 100 Kenyans 2024 | Kenyans.co.ke
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2020\21 : Outstanding Youth Peacemaker | Schengen Peace Foundation and Luxembourg Peace Prize
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2020 : 100 Most Influential Africans | New African Magazine Social Warrior of the Year Award | Africa Digital Leadership | The NRG Fan Fave Twitter Boss of The Year 2020 | NRGRadioKenya Top 100 Kenyans 2019 | Kenyans.co.ke
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2019 : Top 100 Kenyans 2019 | Kenyans.co.ke
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2017 : 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2017 | Africa Youth Awards Alumni Award | Kenya Social Media Awards (SOMA) Awards 2017 Men Impacting Differently Award for Leadership and Governance Kingdom Business Solutions Samrack Award for Social Act of Courage | Samrack Media and Prestige Services
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2016 : Top 40 under 40 Men in Kenya | Business Daily 100 Most Influential Africans | New African Magazine Nairobian Person of the Year | The Nairobian Integrity Champions Award | Integrity Champion Award 2016 Sauti ya Wanjiku Award | Sauti ya Wanjiku Quartz Africa Innovators 2016 | Quartz Media LLC Free Expression Awards | Newseum 32 African Innovators to Watch | Ventures Africa Leaders of Tomorrow | 46th St. Gallen Symposium
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2015 : Quartz Africa Innovators 2015| Quartz Media LLC 25 Africans to Watch | Financial Times Magazine Next Generation Leaders | TIME Magazine
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2014 : 100 Most Influential Africans 2014 | New African Magazine Future Awards Africa Prize for Advocacy | Future Awards Africa
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2013 : The Society of Emerging African Leaders (SEAL) Award | Temple University USA
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2012 : Prince Claus Laureate | 2012 Prince Claus Awards
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2011 : Foto Evidence Book Award Special Mention | Foto Evidence Book Award
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2010 : CNN Multichoice African Photojournalist of the Year| CNN Photo of the Year | Foreign Correspondents’ Association of East Africa (FCAEA)
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2009 : High Commendation | CNN Multichoice African Photojournalist of the Year
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2008 : CNN Multichoice African Photojournalist of the Year| CNN Award of Excellence | Pictures of the Year International
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2007 : Third Price - Images of Health and Disability | World Health Organization