PRWG-K condemns torture of Boniface Mwangi, demands release of Agather Atuhaire
The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) has condemned the enforced disappearance and torture of the well-known human rights defender, Boniface Mwangi, following his detention by Tanzanian law enforcement officials.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 22, 2025, the group revealed that Mwangi had been abandoned at the Kenya-Tanzania border after his detainment and lamented that although he had been found alive, he bore clear signs of severe torture.
The Police Reforms Working Group then unequivocally denounced his unlawful arrest, arbitrary detention, and the appalling acts of brutality inflicted upon him by Tanzanian authorities.
“The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) has this morning learnt that Mr Boniface Mwangi, a renowned human rights defender, was dumped on the Kenya-Kenya-Tanzania border. Whereas we are relieved that Mr Mwangi has been found alive, he has visible signs of torture. We therefore strongly condemn his unlawful arrest, detention, and torture by Tanzanian law enforcement,’ the statement read in part.
Alongside this, the working group also expressed deep concern for the ongoing fate of Agather Atuhaire, a Ugandan human rights defender, who was arrested together with Mwangi.
Atuhaire was last seen on Monday in Tanzanian custody, and, as of now, she has not been released nor presented before a court of law, despite numerous calls for her immediate release.
PRWG-K subsequently urged immediate intervention to ensure her safety and prompt release, emphasising that her situation is of grave concern, as there are no indications of her whereabouts or any clarity regarding her potential fate.
“We express deep concern for the fate of Ugandan human rights defender Agather Atuhaire, who was last seen on Monday in the custody of the Tanzanian authorities. Agather was arrested with Boniface Mwangi and has yet to be released or produced in a court of law,” PRWG-K added.
Both Mwangi and Atuhaire were in Tanzania as part of a regional mission to observe the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu when they were apprehended by Tanzanian authorities.
Following their detentions, a habeas corpus application was filed on behalf of both human rights defenders, demanding their immediate release from unlawful custody.
Repressive climate
The PRWG-K further expressed grave concern regarding the increasingly repressive climate in Tanzania and Uganda, where the fundamental rights of opposition figures, civil society actors, and journalists are being undermined.
The working group pointed out that the actions of Tanzanian authorities, particularly the recent statements made by the Head of State, represent clear violations of both the Tanzanian Constitution and regional human rights laws within the East African Community (EAC).
“PRWG-K notes with grave concern the rising repression of opposition leaders, activists, and journalists in Tanzania and Uganda, two significant member states of the East African Community (EAC).”
The group emphasised that Tanzania’s conduct breaches Article 13(6) of the Tanzanian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, equality before the law, human dignity, and protection from torture or inhuman treatment.
It insisted that the conduct also infringes upon the EAC Treaty, specifically Articles 6 and 7(2), which compel member states to adhere to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
“Tanzanian’s actions and statements by the Head of State this week violate Article 13 (6) of the Tanzanian Constitution, which provides for fair hearing, equality before the law, human dignity and freedom from torture or inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment. Tanzania’s actions further violate the EAC Treaty, particularly Articles 6 and 7 (2), which obligate states to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.”
The group also urged the diplomatic intervention from the international community. Regional human rights mechanisms, such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and global organisations like the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Committee Against Torture, it said, must all publicly demand the protection of citizens’ rights in Tanzania.
“Diplomatic Intervention – The Community of Nations, including regional and international human rights mechanisms such as the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner and the Committee Against Torture, alongside the Kenyan and Ugandan governments, must urgently and publicly express concerns and demand the protection of their citizens’ rights in Tanzania,” the PRWG-K statement added.
Pan African call
Following this, PLP leader Martha Karua stated that they have since written to the African Union, demanding that President Samia Suluhu be held accountable for her failure to provide a clear explanation regarding the torture of Boniface Mwangi and the continued disappearance of Agather Atuhaire.
She added that international partners had also been copied in the correspondence, citing the urgent need for immediate intervention in the matter.
“We’ve written to @_AfricanUnion @achpr_cadhp @jumuiya @SADC_News with a copy to international partners, demanding immediate action and accountability from @SuluhuSamia on missing activist @AAgather and torture and dumping of @bonifacemwangi. At least 48 entities have joined the Pan African PLSN on this call,” she wrote on X.
