Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has broken his silence after a harrowing ordeal in Tanzania, where he says he was arrested, tortured, and left physically impaired. Speaking from Moi International Airport in Mombasa on May 22, Mwangi described being detained for four days under harsh conditions.
Mwangi had traveled to Tanzania to support opposition figure Tundu Lissu during a court appearance. However, he was arrested at his hotel and held incommunicado until Thursday, when he was abandoned at the Horohoro border with Kenya.
Activist Boniface Mwangi during a past event. Photo: NTV Kenya Source: X
“I’ve gone through four very dark days. I was tortured. I can barely walk,” said Mwangi, who appeared visibly weak. He expressed deep concern for Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who was detained alongside him and remains missing.
Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, confirmed he was left at the border and later picked up by fellow activist Khelef Khalifa. According to his allies, Tanzanian authorities subjected Mwangi to both physical and psychological abuse, often mentioning President Samia Suluhu during the torture.
Activist Hussein Khalid denounced Mwangi’s treatment, warning it reflects a growing trend of authoritarianism in East Africa. He claimed the abuse was politically motivated and hinted at possible Kenyan government complicity.
Activist Boniface Mwangi posses for a photo during a past event. Photo: The Star
“If the Kenyan authorities do nothing, we will push for international action,” Khalid stated. He accused Tanzanian officers of demanding Mwangi thank the President while abusing him, calling the acts both brutal and calculated.
Mwangi’s supporters are now demanding accountability and urgent medical care for the activist, as well as information on Agather’s whereabouts. The incident has sparked outrage among human rights groups and raised concerns over political freedoms in the region.
