Activists threaten to storm Tanzania embassy in Nairobi over Boniface Mwangi's detention
The human rights advocates, including Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa, Njeri Mwangi — Boniface Mwangi’s wife — and protest musician Julius Owino, condemned the treatment of the activists, describing it as a major blow to the rule of law in the East African region.
Several human rights activists on Tuesday threatened to storm the Tanzanian Embassy in Nairobi following the controversial deportation and continued detention of their colleagues in Dar es Salaam.
The activists, under the Kongamano La Mapinduzi formation, expressed outrage over the continued detention of activist Boniface Mwangi by Tanzanian authorities.
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The human rights advocates, including Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa, Njeri Mwangi — Boniface Mwangi’s wife — and protest musician Julius Owino, condemned the treatment of the activists, describing it as a major blow to the rule of law in the East African region.
“We are demanding the immediate release of Boniface Mwangi from unlawful detention in Tanzania. He has committed no crime — he went to stand in solidarity with a fellow human rights defender who is facing persecution,” said Njeri Mwangi.
According to Njeri, Mwangi is being held at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam, where officers are interrogating him to establish his local contacts.
“Tanzanian authorities are interrogating him illegally, seeking to know his local contacts. This is unacceptable — he is not a criminal,” she added.
The activists claimed that the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments are in talks over Mwangi’s fate, with the possibility of charges related to alleged immigration violations.
Boniface Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, told reporters that she had not been able to reach him since his arrest. (Barack Oduor)
Activist John Mark stated that they have no choice but to demand Mwangi’s release, noting that he is being held alongside Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire.
“We will storm the Tanzanian Embassy in Nairobi to demand the release of Mwangi and any other person unlawfully detained by the dictatorial regime of Samia Suluhu,” he said.
The activists accused East African heads of state of using the same tactics to suppress dissent across the region.
“What is happening in East Africa — where opposition leaders are either jailed or living in constant fear of torture and detention — cannot be allowed to continue,” said John Mark.
They warned that the rise of authoritarianism across the region could jeopardise the spirit of unity and cooperation among East African states.
Boniface Mwangi, one of Kenya’s most prominent anti-corruption and police brutality campaigners, was among several regional activists who travelled to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu during his court appearance on Monday.
Lissu’s party, Chadema, has been barred from participating in the upcoming October elections after demanding political reforms.
Several activists, including Kenyan presidential candidate Martha Karua, were denied entry at the airport and deported ahead of the court hearing.
Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, told reporters that she had not been able to reach him since his arrest.
“I’ve been informed that the Tanzanian government is consulting on whether to charge him or deport him,” she said.
President Samia stated on Monday that foreign activists would not be allowed to interfere in Tanzania’s internal affairs and directed security agencies “not to allow ill-mannered individuals from other countries to cross the line here”.
According to Njeri, Mwangi was taken from the Serena Hotel together with Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire.
The activists said these events are part of a broader assault on democracy in East Africa.
In neighbouring Uganda, opposition leader Kizza Besigye is also facing treason charges after allegedly being abducted in Kenya and transported across the border.
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