Heightened tensions have gripped Nairobi as Kenyan authorities deployed anti-riot police to the Tanzanian Embassy following growing calls for protests over the detention of prominent activist Boniface Mwangi in Tanzania.
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the National Police Service intensified security in and around the embassy, located in Nairobi’s Central Business District, amid fears that protesters would gather to demand Mwangi’s release. Officers in full riot gear were seen guarding the area, signaling the government’s preparation for potential unrest.
Mwangi, a well-known advocate against corruption and police brutality in Kenya, was detained on May 20 in Dar es Salaam alongside Ugandan lawyer and journalist Agatha Atuhaire. The duo had travelled to Tanzania to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu during a court appearance.
According to reports, the two were apprehended at their hotel under unclear circumstances. Their continued detention has sparked outrage across Kenya and the wider East African region.
Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, made an emotional public plea on Wednesday, describing her husband as a selfless champion for justice. “He fights for people all over the world. For his rights to be violated is completely unfair,” she said, visibly distressed.
The incident has triggered demonstrations beyond Nairobi. In Mombasa, human rights activists on Monday attempted to stage a protest outside the Tanzanian consulate. Members of Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) said they were denied entry during an attempt to seek dialogue with consular officials.
“We call on Tanzania to release the detained Kenyans in the spirit of East African unity,” said MUHURI’s Rapid Response Officer, Francis Auma.
Haki Africa’s Senior Project Manager, Salma Hemed, condemned the arrests, stating, “The arbitrary detention and deportation of observers shows blatant disregard for democratic norms.”
Under international law, Kenya is obligated to ensure the safety of all diplomatic missions within its borders. As tensions escalate, all eyes are now on both Nairobi and Dar es Salaam to see how the standoff will be resolved and whether Mwangi and Atuhaire will be released.
