In a relief to many, activist Boniface Mwangi has been located alive in Ukunda, following more than three days of detention in Tanzania, his family has confirmed.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi also verified Mwangi’s release, speaking through a government spokesperson. According to Mwangi’s lawyer, James Wanjeri, the activist has been immediately taken to hospital for medical assessment.
Mwangi’s disappearance has raised concerns since he went to Tanzania on Monday to attend a court hearing involving opposition figure Tundu Lissu. His sudden absence sparked a diplomatic stir, with Kenya accusing Tanzanian authorities of withholding information about his whereabouts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that despite several requests, Tanzanian officials denied Kenyan officials access to Mwangi and refused to provide updates on his condition. Kenya had made multiple attempts to get details but was met with silence, prompting the government to consider invoking the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to ensure proper communication and access.
Mwangi was detained alongside Ugandan national Agather Atuhaire shortly after the detention of notable figures such as former Justice Minister Martha Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, and activist Hanifa Adan. These individuals were reportedly deported from Julius Nyerere International Airport earlier this week.
The incident has drawn widespread outrage in Kenya, with hundreds of activists rallying in Nairobi’s central business district and outside the Tanzanian embassy demanding Mwangi’s immediate release. Security forces maintained a heavy police presence, prepared to prevent any unrest.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga voiced concern over the detention, condemning the Tanzanian authorities’ actions as violations of international human rights laws, especially given the lack of access to legal counsel or consular support.
Mwangi, along with his family, is expected to speak to the media soon about his condition and the circumstances surrounding his detention. The story continues to develop as the Kenyan government pushes for clarity and accountability from Tanzanian authorities.
