Kenya’s Foreign Minister confirmed Thursday that Tanzania released activist Boniface Mwangi, detained since Monday.Mwangi had traveled to Tanzania for opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s court appearance on treason charges.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, reported Mwangi was held “incommunicado” by military officers.
Another activist, Ugandan Agatha Atuhaire, was also detained. Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Foreign Minister, stated they used diplomatic engagement for Mwangi’s release.
Mwangi reported being deported and abandoned near Tanzania’s northern border, alleging severe torture.
Upon returning to Nairobi, Mwangi described being “chained, blindfolded, and underwent a very gruesome torture.”
He claimed both he and Atuhaire were mistreated, highlighting concerns about the situation for Tanzanian activists.
His wife, Njeri, confirmed his injuries.
A growing outcry in Kenya, with 20 NGOs demanding his release, preceded his release.Atuhaire’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Mwangi expressed concern for her safety. Rights group Vocal Africa alleged “very severe” torture and demanded Atuhaire’s return.
Uganda’s high commissioner to Tanzania, Fred Mwesigye, said he had asked Tanzanian authorities for permission to visit Atuhaire.
However, he had not received a response. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan previously warned against foreign interference in the country.
Activists view these events as part of a broader democratic erosion in East Africa.
They point to cases like Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s trial for treason, following his alleged kidnapping from Kenya.