Meet Boniface Mwangi, the Kenyan activist turned politician
He got his start as a critic of the Kenyan government. Now he’s running for office himself.
Over the last decade, photojournalist and activist Boniface Mwangi has been a fierce critic of the Kenyan government, advocating for political and social change in his home country and inspiring young artists and activists at his acclaimed collective Pawa 254 in Nairobi.
But now he’s entering the political arena himself, running for the Starehe parliamentary seat in the Kenyan election next Tuesday, August 8. Get to know the rising political star and TED Fellow below — chances are you’ll be seeing more of him soon.
Tell us about your work.
I am an activist. I use my skills as a photographer and creative thinker to disrupt the status quo and influence social change that benefits everyone. I am currently running for elective office to become Member of Parliament in Kenya.
How did you get started?
My activism began with a hunger to see a prosperous continent for all — something that our governments have either been unable or unwilling to do. I was tired of living in a society that had become comfortable with the status quo. Runaway corruption and weak judicial systems are just two things that are holding our people and country back.
On June 1, 2009, I stood up alone at a national rally presided over by the then-president of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, and shouted to protest the killing and displacement of Kenyans during the post-election violence of 2007 and 2008, as well as other injustices. I was arrested, beaten and locked up. Later, I decided to show my photographs of the election violence to Kenyans across the entire country to prompt an honest conversation about where we had gone wrong.
We have to fix the underlying systems of governance and accountability. Once we have leaders that care about the people and people who are empowered to hold leaders to account, we will be able to make progress. This is why my activism had to move to actual decision-making bodies — in this case parliament.
What are you obsessing about right now?
I’m working on winning the Starehe parliamentary seat and bringing about real change for the ordinary hardworking Kenyans in this region. I believe that with the right leadership, priorities and focus, we can provide the opportunity for each and every Kenyan to thrive and achieve their greatest potential, and contribute to a prosperous Kenya for all.
What are the unique challenges and opportunities of working on the African continent?
The exciting thing about Africa is we have a young and capable population. Africa has more than 200 million people aged between 15 and 24, making us the youngest population in the world. The challenge for us Africans is how to harness this young energy and potential to deliver the continent from ignorance and poverty.
What is your favorite spot in Nairobi?
Nairobi National Park is the only national park within a capital city in the world! You can be in the busy city center one minute and the serene, breathtaking park watching wildlife in its natural habitat just 15 minutes later.
Who is your hero?
Malcolm X. I relate to him because of my poor upbringing and the fact that he was a self-educated man who changed his ways, just like me. “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it,” he said. “I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” Malcolm X was killed after leaving the Nation of Islam, shortly after he decided to work with everyone to fight social injustice. His boldness in speaking uncomfortable truths to power without fear inspires me immensely. He was killed young, but his name will echo for ages.
Interested in becoming a TED Fellow? Applications are open — apply now.
The TED Fellows program hand-picks young innovators from around the world to raise international awareness of their work and maximize their impact.
