Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has been released after being held incommunicado for three days by Tanzanian authorities. His detention sparked regional diplomatic tensions and a wave of public outcry.
Mwangi Back in Kenya, Set to Fly to Nairobi
According to Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, Mwangi is currently in Mombasa and is scheduled to board a flight to Nairobi. The news was also confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who stated that the Kenyan government had engaged Tanzania through diplomatic channels to secure Mwangi’s release.
Arrested While Supporting Tanzanian Opposition Leader
Mwangi was detained by suspected Tanzanian military officers after he traveled to observe the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu on Monday. He was part of a delegation of East African activists and lawyers who traveled to show solidarity with Lissu.
Most of the activists, however, were denied entry upon landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and were subsequently deported to Nairobi.
Tanzanian President Issues Warning on Foreign Activism
In a televised speech on Monday, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan stated that foreign activists would not be allowed to “interfere” in Tanzania’s internal affairs, indicating a strong stance against international advocacy groups participating in domestic legal or political matters.
Kenya Reacts: Consular Access Denied
The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement revealing that Tanzania denied it access to Mwangi during his detention.
“Despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr. Mwangi,” the ministry said.
Kenya further called on Tanzania to uphold international diplomatic norms, urging the authorities to “expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access or release Mr. Mwangi.”
Regional Solidarity and Diplomatic Fallout
Mwangi’s arrest has drawn international attention, particularly across East Africa, where activists warned of a shrinking space for freedom of expression and political dissent.
His release, while welcomed, has triggered conversations about:
- The limits of international advocacy
- Tanzania’s stance on foreign involvement in internal matters
- The role of diplomatic intervention in human rights cases
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday, May 18 | East African activists denied entry at Dar es Salaam airport |
| Monday, May 19 | Boniface Mwangi arrested while attending Tundu Lissu’s treason trial |
| Tuesday, May 20 | Kenya requests consular access; Tanzania remains silent |
| Thursday, May 22 | Boniface Mwangi released; currently in Mombasa, en route to Nairobi |