Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, who was arrested in Tanzania earlier this week, has been released and returned to Kenya, according to Kenyan authorities. Mwangi had been detained after attempting to attend the court hearing of opposition leader Tundu Lissu in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that Mwangi was received in Kwale County, Kenya, on Thursday afternoon. Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi also confirmed the release.
Mwangi had been detained after attempting to observe Lissu’s first court appearance on charges of treason, a case that has drawn attention to the increasing suppression of political dissent in Tanzania. Lissu, who was shot 16 times in 2017 and later placed second in the last presidential election, was charged with treason for allegedly inciting public rebellion ahead of the upcoming October elections.
Mwangi was accused of entering the country under false pretenses. The KNCHR stated that he was in good spirits and was being transferred to Nairobi for medical care. Rights activist Hussein Khalid reported that Mwangi had suffered significant abuse during his detention, describing him as “severely tortured” but maintaining a strong spirit despite physical injuries.
Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department spokesperson, Paul Mselle, did not respond to inquiries about the torture claims. It remains unclear whether Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire, who was detained alongside Mwangi, has been released.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is seeking re-election in October, has pledged to respect human rights but has also warned foreign activists against interfering in the country’s internal affairs.
