Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has reportedly been deported from Tanzania and abandoned in Ukunda, Kwale County, under unclear circumstances. His family confirmed that he was transported by road across the border and later rushed to a hospital for medical examination.
Mwangi had traveled to Tanzania to attend a court hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing charges of treason and spreading false information. During the trip, Tanzanian authorities arrested both Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire, alleging that they had provided false information to gain entry into the country.
While initial reports suggested Mwangi had been deported shortly after his arrest, the Tanzania Law Society later clarified that he remained in the custody of the Immigration Department. The timeline and exact conditions of his release remain murky, with no official explanation provided on why he was left in Ukunda instead of being flown back to Nairobi or handed over through standard diplomatic channels.
Upon his return to Kenya, Mwangi was found in a weakened state and was taken to a local hospital in Ukunda for medical evaluation. Although his family has confirmed his release and hospitalization, they have not disclosed specific details about his health condition or what he may have experienced while in custody.
Mwangi, who is well known for his outspokenness against corruption and police brutality in Kenya, has previously been targeted by authorities. In 2024, he was arrested during the Standard Chartered Marathon over allegations of incitement, but the case did not proceed, and he was eventually released without charge.
The incident has sparked outrage among human rights groups and civil society organizations in the region, who see it as a troubling sign of increasing hostility toward activists and international observers in Tanzania. Critics argue that the move may be part of a wider effort by the Tanzanian government to clamp down on dissent ahead of the country’s next general elections.
Despite mounting pressure, Tanzanian authorities have not issued any formal statement regarding Mwangi’s arrest, detention, or the circumstances leading to his deportation and abandonment in Kenya. His family and supporters are now demanding answers and accountability for what they describe as a violation of his rights and international legal norms.
