Ethic manager John Mbugua denied rapper Boniface Mwangi—known as SWAT Mtoto wa Eunice—was a thief, clarifying the artist fled police during a raid in Umoja estate on March 2, 2019, and sought shelter in a residential building. Residents confronted SWAT and a friend, leading to a physical altercation.
A video circulating online showed SWAT being beaten by a mob, with some reports falsely claiming he was caught breaking into a home. Mbugua emphasized SWAT had just been paid after performances on Friday, stating, "If he was caught stealing he’d be in a cell right?"
Mbugua recounted police intervention after the incident, noting SWAT and his companion were released as innocent. "Police were conducting raids in Umoja, detaining young people. When SWAT saw officers, he ran into an unknown plot. Residents assumed they were thieves and attacked," he said.
Social media reactions included clips of SWAT in distress and commentary questioning the violence. One post read, "Wahenga hawakukosea waliposema KULA NJUGU ONGEZA NGUVU KISHA UPEWE RUNGU;NA UPIGWE MITI USKIE FITI???" while another noted, "Venye swat ameshika tumbo ndio new position ama???"
