Boniface Mwangi shares health progress following torture ordeal
Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has provided an update on his health following a recent torture ordeal in Tanzania.
In a statement posted on his social media accounts on June 3, 2025, Mwangi confirmed that he and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who was detained alongside him, are receiving professional care and are on the path to recovery.
Mwangi indicated that while their physical health is improving, the mental toll of the experience remains significant. He noted that it may take longer for both of them to fully heal emotionally from the trauma they endured.
The activist also reassured Kenyans that the struggle for justice and equality remains alive, emphasising the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. His message aimed to encourage supporters not to lose hope despite ongoing challenges.
Alongside his statement, Mwangi shared photos of himself with Agather as they navigate life after torture.
“Thank you so much for the overwhelming messages of love and solidarity. Our broken bodies will heal. The mental wellness will take time. Agather and I are both getting professional help. We shall heal, and we have no doubt that one day we shall win. The struggle for a more equal and humane world continues… Keep the fire burning.” Boniface Mwangi stated.
Their detention
Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire, a Ugandan human rights defender and journalist, were detained in Tanzania on May 19, 2025, while attempting to attend the court hearing of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.
Their trip, intended to show solidarity, turned into a harrowing ordeal involving alleged torture and sexual assault by Tanzanian security forces.
According to reports made by Mwangi, he stated that he and Atuhaire were abducted from their hotel in Dar es Salaam, interrogated at immigration offices, and later taken to a police station where they encountered an officer identified as Faustin Mafwele. According to the 2 activists, Mafwele threatened to rape Atuhaire and made derogatory remarks about Mwangi’s circumcision status.
The activists were blindfolded, handcuffed, and transported to an undisclosed location where they endured severe physical and psychological abuse.
Mwangi reported being stripped naked, tied upside down, beaten on the soles of his feet, and sexually assaulted with objects.
Atuhaire described similar abuses, including being stripped, beaten, and assaulted with objects while blindfolded.
They were held incommunicado for several days, with Mwangi eventually dumped at the Kenya-Tanzania border on May 22 and Atuhaire at the Uganda-Tanzania border on May 23.
Nairobi presser
Both activists have since spoken out, detailing their experiences at a press conference held in Nairobi on June 2, 2025.
They are pursuing legal action against the Tanzanian government with the support of regional legal teams.
The United States, Amnesty International, and various regional human rights groups have condemned the incident, demanding investigations into the alleged abuses.
Tanzanian authorities have not officially responded to the accusations.
