Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has expressed growing frustration over the continued detention and lack of information surrounding prominent activist Boniface Mwangi, who was arrested in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Ministry accuses Tanzanian authorities of failing to provide consular access or adequate information on Mwangi’s condition and whereabouts, despite repeated diplomatic efforts.
Mwangi, a vocal human rights defender and social justice advocate, was arrested alongside Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire while attending a court hearing for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges. Initial reports suggested Mwangi had been deported, but it has since emerged that he remains in custody, raising alarm among regional human rights groups and the Kenyan government.
“The Ministry notes that, despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr. Mwangi. The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall wellbeing and the absence of information regarding his detention,” read a statement released by Kenya’s Foreign Ministry.
Kenya has called on the Tanzanian government to either grant consular access to Mwangi or ensure his immediate release, citing obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. “The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs respectfully urges the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Boniface Mwangi,” the statement continued.
While reaffirming its commitment to strong bilateral ties with Tanzania, Kenya emphasized the need for cooperation in addressing the matter diplomatically and in good faith. “The Government of Kenya remains committed to the cordial bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and hopes that this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably,” the Ministry added.
In response, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned foreign activists against interfering in the country’s internal affairs, stating that her government respects human rights. However, her remarks have done little to ease concerns surrounding the transparency and legality of Mwangi’s detention.
The incident threatens to strain diplomatic relations between the two East African nations and has prompted calls from civil society for adherence to international human rights standards.
