Boniface Mwangi's release comes amidst rising concerns over the treatment of activists in Tanzania and the increasing diplomatic strains between the neighboring countries.
Kenyan Activist Released from Tanzanian Custody Following Diplomatic Pressure
Kenyan Activist Released from Tanzanian Custody Following Diplomatic Pressure
Kenyan authorities achieve breakthrough as Boniface Mwangi is freed after detention in Tanzania, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.
Boniface Mwangi, a prominent Kenyan activist, has been released after three days of detention in Tanzania, a development that came shortly after Kenya's foreign ministry publicly demanded his freedom. Mwangi was arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday while attending the court proceedings for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. Upon his detainment, Mwangi and fellow activist Agather Atuhaire were reportedly taken by unidentified individuals suspected to be military officers, and their location remained ambiguous for several days.
The Kenyan foreign ministry's official statement expressed significant concern over Mwangi's health and well-being, noting that they had been unable to secure consular access despite making repeated requests. According to Korir Sing'oei, a senior official in the ministry, Mwangi is now back in Kenya, where he was met by his lawyer Khalid Hussein and received support from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The commission shared a photo of Mwangi, appearing in high spirits with his wife and colleagues, indicating he was safe but would likely require medical attention.
In a statement, Kenya's foreign ministry urged Tanzania to adhere to international laws and norms regarding diplomatic relations and the treatment of detained nationals. The ministry's stance reflects a broader trend of dissatisfaction with Tanzania's handling of political dissent ahead of the upcoming elections, as rights organizations raise alarms over the increasing hostility towards opposition figures and activists.
The Tanzanian government has yet to comment on the circumstances surrounding Mwangi's arrest and subsequent release, though President Samia Suluhu Hassan has recently expressed intentions to prevent foreign activists from influencing Tanzania's internal matters. This situation underscores the delicate political landscape in East Africa, where tensions between activists and governmental authorities are escalating.
