Kenyan Activist Released After Alleged Torture in Tanzania

Kenyan Activist Boniface Mwangi Released from Tanzanian Detention After Alleged Torture Boniface Mwangi, a prominent Kenyan activist, was released from Tanzanian custody on May 22, 2025, after four days of detention. Mwangi, visibly shaken upon his return to Kenya, described being subjected to brutal torture by Tanzanian authorities. "I was beaten so badly I can barely walk," he stated in an interview. The video shows Mwangi being helped from a vehicle at the border crossing. He was accompanied by another activist from Uganda, Agathar, whose current whereabouts remain unknown, causing Mwangi significant concern. Mwangi's detention and the allegations of torture have sparked outrage among human rights groups and raised concerns about freedom of speech and political activism in the region. The incident has added fuel to existing tensions between Kenya and Tanzania. The Tanzanian government has yet to comment publicly on the allegations. Mwangi's release marks a significant moment, but the uncertainty surrounding Agathar's fate underscores the ongoing challenges faced by activists in East Africa. The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within regional governments.