Boniface Mwangi: Family Says Deported Activist Was Tortured in Tanzania, Needs Urgent Medical Care
- Boniface Mwangi’s family confirmed he was found at the Horohoro border in poor condition and could barely walk, alleging he was tortured by Tanzanian authorities
- The family said plans were underway to transfer Mwangi to Nairobi for urgent medical care due to injuries sustained while in custody
- Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei earlier revealed the Kenyan government had officially protested Tanzania’s detention of Mwangi
- Sing’oei stated that Tanzania had violated the Vienna Convention, insisting the country must allow access to detained nationals or release them immediately
Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with TUKO. Enroll Now!
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi is back on home soil, but his return has raised fresh questions over his treatment while in the hands of Tanzanian authorities.
Source: Getty Images
Mwangi, who had been missing for several days, was finally traced to the Kenya-Tanzania border, where he was reportedly dumped by Tanzanian security agents after a harrowing detention.
The activist was reportedly deported by road and left at the Horohoro border post, a quiet crossing point straddling Kenya and Tanzania near Ukunda.
His family, relieved to have found him alive, confirmed that he is in a deeply disturbing physical state.
They alleged that the vocal activist was tortured during his time in custody, leaving him barely able to walk.
According to them, he is in urgent need of specialised medical attention, and plans are already underway to transfer him to Nairobi for comprehensive treatment.
Why did Kenya struggle to find Mwangi
On Wednesday, May 22, the Kenyan government officially protested the detention of the activist by Tanzanian authorities, accusing them of blocking Kenyan diplomats from seeing him.
According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, Kenya sent a formal letter to Tanzania asking for immediate consular access to Mwangi, who was last seen at a police station in Dar es Salaam before disappearing.
Source: Twitter
Sing’oei said the Ministry had made several requests, but Tanzanian officials had refused to give Kenyan representatives access to Mwangi or share information about his condition.
He said the government was deeply worried about the human rights activist’s health and safety.
The letter noted that under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which both Kenya and Tanzania have signed, diplomats must be allowed to visit detained nationals.
Sing’oei urged Tanzania to either grant access to Mwangi or release him without delay, stressing that Tanzania must respect international agreements.
Why were police deployed to the Tanzanian High Commission
As reported earlier, Mwangi was arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday, May 19, while intending to attend Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu's court hearing.
Mwangi had announced on social media that police had surrounded his hotel. Initially, reports suggested he was deported, but it was later clarified he remained in immigration custody.
Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire were detained amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Tanzania.
Authorities accused Mwangi of providing false information to enter the country.
In Nairobi, Kenyan activists protested outside the Tanzanian High Commission, demanding Mwangi's release. In response, Kenyan police were deployed to guard the embassy.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned foreign activists against interfering in Tanzania's affairs, emphasising national sovereignty.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
