Renowned human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has revealed that he has been depressed and suicidal.
Mwangi took to his Instagram account to reflect on a dark period in his life, which he sunk into in August this year amid the Gen Z anti-tax demonstrations.
While sharing an image of himself going head-to-head with anti-riot police, the activist wrote candidly: “On August 3, 2024, I found myself in a very dark place and considered taking my own life. A few days earlier, I had signed my will, then rang or texted a few people. It was my farewell. I wanted to die.”
He added: “There was simply too much pain, grief and trauma in my life that I couldn’t bear it any longer.”
Mwangi captioned the post with an excerpt from a personal note that dived into his thoughts and position on the state of mental health in Kenya.
“We have a serious mental health crisis in the country. The children who witnessed the killings, the victim’s families, and even the police who were ordered to brutalise peaceful protestors are all suffering.”
Mwangi further said that activists, who are risking their lives in the name of social justice are attacked, instead of getting support from the masses.
“Whistleblowers and activists in Kenya are attacked, shamed, and hounded, destroying many lives in the process and leading to unemployment, depression, alcoholism, and broken marriages.”
He added: “We, the people, must stop hating and fighting those who are working for a better Kenya, while praising, and protecting those who are stealing billions. Support those who are fighting for change, give them your love and support, and defend them online. We must stop persecuting people who genuinely love this country and focus our anger on those whose only interest is self-aggrandizement.”
A national news website tied Boniface Mwangi’s dark experience to the stigma the protests left on his family.
The report noted: “His family helped him bounce back by seeking professional help and realigning his purpose of seeking for better governance.”
“Defiantly, Mwangi vowed not to give in to the intimidation tactics used by the government, citing numerous arrests and abduction attempts during the wave of protests.”
