Renowned Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has raised serious concerns for his safety after an alarming encounter with armed men at a hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The incident occurred late Sunday night when several men, dressed in civilian clothes but claiming to be police officers, confronted Mwangi outside his hotel room at the Serena Hotel. Mwangi refused to open the door, fearing abduction or harm, leading to a tense standoff.
This unsettling event followed closely on the heels of the controversial arrest and deportation of Kenyan politician Martha Karua in Dar es Salaam. Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, was detained along with Law Society of Kenya Council member Gloria Kimani upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Despite their lawful entry into Tanzania, both were held for several hours before being deported, an incident that drew widespread attention and concern.
Just hours after Karua’s detention, Mwangi found himself targeted in what appeared to be a coordinated operation. The armed men demanded that he step outside his hotel room for questioning, but Mwangi stood his ground, unwilling to expose himself to potential danger. He posted updates on social media describing the situation: he warned that his life was in danger, confirmed the presence of armed men claiming to be police officers, and stated that they refused to identify themselves. Mwangi made it clear that he would not open his door unless proper identification was shown and feared for his safety if forced outside.
The standoff continued with the armed men eventually moving to the hotel lobby, while Mwangi stayed inside, prepared to leave only with trusted Tanzanian lawyers who had come to assist him. His bags were packed, and he remained vigilant, awaiting further developments. The tense situation highlighted growing concerns about the safety and freedom of political activists and dissenters in the region.
Speculation has grown around the connection between these incidents and the broader political climate in Tanzania and Kenya. The timing and similarities between the treatment of Karua and Mwangi, along with other activists, suggest a pattern of intimidation against those involved in political activism or human rights advocacy. These events reflect escalating tensions surrounding political dissent and the crackdown on opposition voices in East Africa.
In a related development, the Tanzanian government also deported several other prominent Kenyan activists and human rights defenders who had travelled to Tanzania to observe the ongoing trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Among those denied entry and expelled were former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, human rights advocate Hussein Khalid, and activist Hanifa Adan. The group arrived early Monday at Julius Nyerere International Airport but was detained without clear explanation and later returned to Kenya.
Hussein Khalid reported that they were held without access to legal counsel or immigration officials, underscoring concerns about the treatment of activists in the country. Hanifa Adan later confirmed their deportation, highlighting the increasingly hostile environment for political observers and human rights defenders in Tanzania.
The series of events involving Karua, Mwangi, and other Kenyan activists underscores a broader climate of suppression and surveillance targeting political activists in the region. This growing crackdown has raised alarm among human rights groups and international observers, emphasizing the urgent need to protect freedom of expression and the safety of activists working to promote democracy and human rights in East Africa.
