Kenyan Activist Boniface Mwangi Released from Tanzanian Detention Following Diplomatic Pressure

Boniface Mwangi, arrested in Tanzania while attending a court case for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, was freed after Kenya's foreign ministry appealed for his release. His detention raised concerns about Tanzania's treatment of dissenters, ahead of upcoming elections.

Following an outpouring of concern over his well-being, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has been released from detention in Tanzania. Mwangi, who was arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday, was taken into custody alongside Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire by suspected military personnel. Their apprehension occurred during their visit to support Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.

The Kenyan government acted swiftly, with the foreign ministry demanding his release and expressing alarm over the lack of consular access. Ministry official Korir Sing'oei confirmed on social media that Mwangi had returned to Kenya, highlighting the urgency of the diplomatic situation. His wife, Njeri, shared her fears about his safety during his detention, noting that she had not heard from him since his arrest.

The Tanzanian government, however, remained silent regarding Mwangi's detention and subsequent release. President Samia Suluhu Hassan had previously issued warnings against foreign activists intervening in Tanzanian politics, indicative of the tense atmosphere surrounding dissent in the country.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights announced that Mwangi was "in high spirits" upon his return while also indicating plans to provide him with medical attention. His ordeal illustrates broader concerns about the increasing repression of political opposition in Tanzania, particularly in light of the impending elections in October and recent deportations of foreign activists. Rights groups have raised alarms about the state's crackdown on dissent, prompting calls for urgent reforms and heightened scrutiny from the international community.