Police heighten security at Tanzanian mission over Boniface Mwangi demo
Anti-riot police officers have been deployed outside the Tanzanian High Commissioner’s office in Nairobi ahead of planned protests by activists demanding the release of Boniface Mwangi, who remains in the hands of Tanzanian authorities.
The heavy police presence has created a tense atmosphere, with officers patrolling the area and maintaining tight security.
There is minimal activity at the office as police, fully armed with anti-riot gear, appear ready to disperse any demonstrators who show up.
Activists had vowed to camp outside the commission until their fellow activist is released unconditionally.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, similar protests took place at the same location, with Boniface Mwangi’s wife among those in the protests.
The protesters issued four key demands: the immediate release of the two activists, restoration of their rights to legal and consular communication, an end to the harassment of civil society actors in Tanzania, and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their detention.
Reaction from the Foreign Affairs Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has actively responded to the detention of Boniface Mwangi in Tanzania, which began on May 19, 2025.
The ministry expressed deep concern over Tanzania’s refusal to grant consular access to Mwangi, despite repeated requests, citing violations of international diplomatic norms, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), specifically Article 36, which mandates access to detained nationals.
In a statement on May 21, 2025, the ministry demanded that Tanzanian authorities either provide immediate consular access or release Mwangi unconditionally, emphasising his health and well-being.
They reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to cordial bilateral relations and expressed hope for a swift, amicable resolution through diplomatic channels; despite all this, the activist is yet to be released
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, through a post on his X, emphasised that the ministry’s role is limited to providing consular assistance, such as ensuring Boniface Mwangi’s rights are respected, while diplomatic efforts continue to secure his release. Sing’oei condemned the detention and urged Tanzania to comply with its international obligations.
Other activists in a similar situation
There came a time when Kenyan activists were recently detained in Tanzania while on their way to stand in solidarity with Tanzania’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, who was facing treason charges.
Among those deported immediately after arriving in Tanzania were PLP party leader Martha Karua, Willy Mutunga, Hanif Adani, and Hussein Khalid. They were all detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport before being deported back to Kenya.
