The United States government has called for investigations into what happened to Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire while they were in Tanzania.
The two were reportedly tortured and mistreated by Tanzanian authorities while they were in the country to follow the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The US, through its Bureau of African Affairs, released a statement on Saturday, May 24, expressing serious concern over how the two were handled by Tanzanian security officers.
According to the statement, the US wants a full investigation into the human rights abuse claims and wants those responsible to be held accountable.
Kenyans.co.ke also highlighted the growing criticism aimed at Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, as more details of the mistreatment continue to surface. The incident has sparked debate across the region, with human rights defenders and civil society groups demanding justice.
A news card from Kenyans.co.ke alleging what the US government has requested. Photo | Kenyans.co.ke
The US government specifically said that all East African countries should take action against those who carry out acts of torture and abuse, and not turn a blind eye when activists or innocent civilians are mistreated. The US further warned that these incidents could damage regional peace and cooperation if left unresolved.
Boniface Mwangi had been missing for over three days before being found and deported from Tanzania. His family later confirmed that he had been left in Ukunda, a coastal town in Kenya, after being taken across the border by road. Reports indicate that he was in a terrible physical state, unable to walk properly, with visible injuries on his feet and body.
Photos shared online show him looking weak and in pain, prompting widespread outrage. He was later airlifted to Nairobi where he is receiving medical attention.
Agather Atuhaire’s situation was not any better. She was found on May 23 at the Mutukula border in a condition that her lawyer described as terrible. James Kamau, her legal representative, said she had clearly been abused.
Photo of Agatha Atuhaire. Photo courtesy / The Citizen.
Both Mwangi and Agather directly accused President Samia Suluhu of being behind their torture, with Mwangi saying they were threatened with public shame if they talked about what had happened to them. His words were full of anger and frustration, and he promised to continue speaking out against what he called state-sponsored repression.
The two had traveled to Tanzania to attend court sessions for Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges for a speech he gave in April. Lissu is a major critic of Suluhu’s government and has long been seen as a voice for democracy in Tanzania.
The arrest and torture of Mwangi and Agather have now brought even more attention to his trial and the general state of human rights in the region.
Mwangi has already issued a strong message after his release, saying he will expose everything and won’t be silenced. His resolve to continue pushing for justice, even after such a brutal experience, has made headlines and could pressure governments and human rights groups across the continent to act.
