Kenya says Tanzania has denied access to detained Boniface Mwangi
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised concern over what it describes as Tanzania’s refusal to grant its officials consular access to detained activist Boniface Mwangi, as pressure mounts for his release
In a statement released on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Kenya’s State Department for Foreign Affairs confirmed that repeated requests to visit Mwangi had been ignored, raising concerns over his health and safety.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya expresses its deep concern regarding the apprehension of Mr. Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan citizen,” the statement read in part. “The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall wellbeing and the absence of information regarding his detention.”
The statement added that Tanzania had not only failed to explain the reason for the arrest but had also denied Kenyan consular officers access to Mwangi, despite both countries being signatories to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Article 36 of the treaty guarantees foreign nationals the right to communicate with and be visited by their country’s consular representatives if detained abroad.
Emotions run high in Nairobi
Back home, the arrest has rattled Mwangi’s family and supporters. On Wednesday, May 21, his wife Njeri Mwangi was overcome with emotion during a protest in Nairobi calling for his immediate release.
Flanked by activists from Kenya and Uganda, Njeri wept openly as chants filled the air. “Boniface Mwangi, loving comrade, here we are but away from home…” the group sang, waving flags and holding placards demanding justice.
While Mwangi’s son remained composed, Njeri clutched a handkerchief and later stepped back from the protest line, visibly overwhelmed.
Tanzania defends crackdown
Mwangi was arrested on Monday, May 19, alongside Ugandan journalist and activist Agather Atuhaire after they arrived in Tanzania to attend the court session of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces charges of treason and incitement.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has since defended her government’s stance, warning against what she termed as growing foreign interference. Without naming individuals, she said, “Tanzania is not fallow land where everyone can come and say whatever they want… They may have been controlled in their own countries, but they will not come and destroy us here.”
Her remarks came amid a wave of deportations. On Sunday, several Kenyan leaders, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, were denied entry into Tanzania. Only former CJ David Maraga was allowed in and attended Lissu’s court hearing on Monday.
Kenya demands release
The Kenyan government now wants Tanzania to either release Mwangi or grant immediate access to him.
“In light of the above, the Ministry urges the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Mr. Mwangi,” the statement said.
Foreign Affairs officials say Kenya’s embassy in Dar es Salaam remains engaged with the case but has yet to receive any formal explanation for Mwangi’s detention.
As diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, the spotlight is now firmly on Tanzania to explain the ongoing crackdown,and whether it signals a broader clampdown on regional activism.
