Boniface Mwangi breaks down in tears while recounting harrowing ordeal in Tanzania
Activist Boniface Mwangi has broken down in tears while recounting his harrowing ordeal when he was detained by Tanzanian authorities last month.
In a joint press briefing with his Ugandan counterpart, Agather Atuhaire, in Nairobi on July 2, 2025, Mwangi explained how he was instructed to strip naked and tortured.
“They told me to strip naked, and when I did, I was grabbed by four men who lifted me so fast. When they lifted me up, they tied me upside down. They started beating my feet; I screamed, but no tears were coming out. One guy said, ‘weka moto (ignite fire). They put lubricant in my rectum and started inserting objects in my rectum, he stated while breaking down into tears like a baby.
Activist Boniface Mwangi was deported to Kenya after being detained by the Tanzanian authorities for three days. He had travelled to attend the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu at the invitation of the East Africa Law Society.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi confirmed his release on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
“We have been engaging through diplomatic channels, and we have engaged with the Tanzanian authorities. The information we have is that he has been released,” he stated.
Boniface Mwangi’s release
Speaking after his release on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, Mwangi revealed the physical and emotional toll of his ordeal at the hands of the Tanzanian authorities before being deported to Kenya.
“I have gone through four dark days; I have been tortured very badly. I can barely walk,” Mwangi narrated.
He extended his gratitude to the public and supporters who raised their voices and stood in solidarity during his detention.
“Thank you to everyone who spoke and stood with us; the solidarity was not in vain,” he added.
Mwangi also expressed deep concern for his fellow detainee, Ugandan journalist and lawyer Agather, with whom he was held and subjected to similar brutal treatment.
