Human rights groups have raised alarm over the disappearance of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, days after reports emerged that the two had been deported from Tanzania.
According to Vocal Africa and other advocacy groups, the two have not been seen or heard from since their alleged deportation. The Tanzanian government has remained silent on their whereabouts, sparking concerns that the duo may have gone missing while in state custody.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed on Tuesday, May 20,2025 that Mwangi was in the custody of Tanzanian authorities. He added that the Kenyan embassy in Dar es Salaam was in contact with Mwangi and was working to secure his release and safe return to Nairobi. However, no confirmation has been given regarding Agather’s status or location.
Last seen in Dar es Salaam
Mwangi was arrested on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, where he had travelled to attend the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Prior to his detention, the activist posted online that his life was in danger, claiming that armed men had surrounded his hotel room.
Tanzanian lawyer Boniface Mwabukusi later said that both Mwangi and Atuhaire had been deported under the supervision of Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department. The two were reportedly held at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam before their removal.
Despite these claims, Vocal Africa says there is no evidence the pair arrived in Kenya or Uganda.
“The Government of Tanzania announced that Agather and Boniface, who were previously in police custody, have been repatriated to their home countries. However, days have passed without any official update from them. They have not yet arrived in Kenya or Uganda. This raises serious concern, suggesting that they have gone missing while under the custody of the Tanzanian authorities,” the group said in a statement shared on X on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Mounting regional outrage
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid echoed these concerns, noting that all legal and diplomatic efforts to locate the two have so far been unsuccessful.
The detentions and the uncertainty surrounding their safety come amid growing tension between Tanzania and regional human rights actors. Other Kenyan figures, including politician Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, were previously barred from entering Tanzania while trying to attend Lissu’s trial.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has defended the crackdown, accusing foreign activists of attempting to destabilize the country. She warned against external interference, stating that Tanzania’s sovereignty and stability must be protected.
Activists across East Africa have condemned the actions of the Tanzanian government and are calling for immediate transparency. “It’s unacceptable that two prominent voices for justice can disappear in the hands of a government. We demand answers,” Vocal Africa stated.
As pressure mounts, families and colleagues of the two are pleading for international support to locate and ensure their safe return.
