This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
Motorcade Blockade Backfires for Boniface Mwangi ¶
Activist Boniface Mwangi's attempt to block a VIP motorcade on October 14, 2019, ended in controversy after he tried to block Raila Odinga's motorcade.
According to a video posted by Mwangi on his social media, he was involved in an altercation with an aide in the lead car of Raila's convoy.
The video shows the car approaching Mwangi's, with the aide hitting the activist's car to give right of way. Mwangi continues to film as he comes face to face with the angry police officer who yells and hurls insults at him before pulling away.
Mwangi captioned the video: 'Who will protect Kenyans from this overentitled VIPs and their rogue bodyguards? A police officer in KCH 995E insulted me because I refused to be bullied, he was the lead car for KCH 755S. Please record, post & shame VIP bullies everyday. I only give way for ambulances and marked police cars that aren’t escorting entitled VIPs. I refuse to let police abuse the siren to clear traffic for the people who should be solving our traffic mess.'
Netizens were quick to point out that Raila Odinga is among the VIPs entitled to use security sirens on the road, as per a circular made last year.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticized Mwangi for blocking Raila's motorcade, saying 'This is Raila omera you must clear way for him as a sign of respect. Stop fighting unnecessary wars.'
