Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has been released from detention in Tanzania, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed. Mwangi was arrested in Dar es Salaam while attempting to attend a court hearing for prominent Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges.
Mwangi was detained alongside Ugandan lawyer and human rights advocate Agather Atuhaire. Their arrest sparked diplomatic concern and drew sharp criticism from regional human rights defenders. The two had travelled to show solidarity with Lissu, whose case has garnered widespread attention across East Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed frustration over what it termed a lack of transparency from Tanzanian authorities regarding Mwangi’s detention. According to the Ministry, repeated diplomatic inquiries failed to yield information on Mwangi’s whereabouts, access to legal counsel, or the conditions under which he was being held.
In an earlier statement, the Ministry highlighted the severity of the situation, stating: “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.”
Mudavadi’s announcement of Mwangi’s release comes just hours after the Ministry publicly aired its concerns. Though details surrounding the circumstances of the release remain scant, the confirmation provides relief to Mwangi’s supporters, family, and fellow activists who had demanded swift diplomatic action.
Mwangi, known for his vocal stance on governance, human rights, and anti-corruption in Kenya, has previously faced threats and arrests for his activism. His detention in Tanzania reignited conversations on regional cooperation, diplomatic protocols, and the protection of civil liberties across East Africa.
It remains unclear whether any formal charges had been filed against Mwangi or Atuhaire, or whether they will face travel restrictions in the future. As of now, both have regained their freedom, with expectations that Mwangi will return to Kenya soon.
The incident highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy and activism in a region where political expression often clashes with state authority.
