Mwabili Mwagodi has emerged as a vocal critic of political intrusion into religious spaces, earning recognition for galvanising youth into social justice movements
Mwagodi's activism has made him a prominent figure in Kenya's civil society.
He is recognised for leading the #OccupyChurch movement, which seeks to address concerns about political involvement in religious institutions.
Operating under the handle @mwabilimwagodi on X, he has gained attention for encouraging civic participation among young people.
Mwagodi is perhaps best known for initiating the #CleanTheAltar campaign in June 2024.
The campaign urged church leaders to reconsider inviting politicians to their services, citing concerns about maintaining the integrity of religious spaces.
In October 2024, he led a demonstration during a church service in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, which was attended by President William Ruto.
Despite resistance from security personnel, he and fellow demonstrators continued with their protest, after which the President left the event.
Following the incident, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations reportedly visited his parents' home.
Through his work, Mwagodi hopes to encourage civic awareness and youth engagement in social justice matters, while calling for accountability in religious and political spaces.
His recent reported abduction in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and subsequent release has sparked international concern about the safety of activists in East Africa.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the incident and called for the protection of human rights defenders.
Mwagodi was reported missing in Dar es Salaam on July 23, where he had been working for a hospitality company.
Witnesses said he was taken away by unknown individuals, and efforts by his family to contact him were unsuccessful.
On Sunday morning, Mwagodi was found in the Kinondo area near Diani, Kwale County.
He reportedly walked about three kilometres to a local police station, where he encountered threats of detention.
Intervention by human rights activists led to his release, after which he was taken to Pandya Memorial Hospital in Mombasa for medical attention.
His family has expressed relief at his return but remains concerned about the broader implications of the incident on the safety of activists.
Human rights defender Hussein Khalid said on Sunday that Mwagodi contacted his family, who then alerted his organisation, Vocal Africa.
"Presently, Mwabili has been rushed to Pandya Hospital, Mombasa, for a quick medical check-up after which he will be put on a flight to Nairobi to reunite with his family," said Khalid, the CEO of Vocal Africa.
“This is not an isolated incident,” he added.
“There’s a worrying trend of regional collaboration that threatens civic space.”
Mwagodi’s family also said he had been under surveillance due to his involvement in Gen Z protests in June 2024.
In May 2025, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire were reportedly arrested and deported from Tanzania.
Other Kenyan activists, including People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, have also faced restrictions while in Tanzania.
