Just hours after former Chief Justice David Maraga called on the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to act swiftly and ensure the release of activist Boniface Mwangi from Tanzanian custody, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei has issued a firm response, outlining the limits of the ministry’s mandate.
Maraga had publicly expressed his disappointment with how Mwangi’s detention was being handled, accusing the ministry of dragging its feet on a matter that requires urgency.
“I am deeply concerned by the continued detention of Boniface Mwangi by authorities in the United Republic of Tanzania without access to the courts, legal counsel or consular representation, in clear violation of international human rights law.
“I condemn the failure by the Kenyan government to show any urgency in ensuring that Boniface Mwangi is freed immediately and unconditionally,” Maraga wrote.
He called on the ministry to urgently provide the country with an update on Mwangi’s current condition, the reasons for his continued detention, and the efforts being made to ensure Tanzania adheres to international human rights laws.
“I urge the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to urgently provide the public with clear information about of Boniface Mwangi’s specific circumstances; the reason the Tanzanian government continues to detain him; and what effort it is making to ensure that Tanzania complies with international human rights law,” he stated.
Singoei’s response
In a response posted on his X account on Thursday, May 22, 2025, PS Korir Singoei said that while the government is aware of the matter and is actively engaging, its role is limited.
He clarified that the ministry’s initial obligation is to provide consular assistance to Kenyan nationals arrested in foreign countries. Beyond that, the only tool available is diplomatic engagement.
“The Ministry’s obligation to a national who has been apprehended by a foreign country is limited and focused in the first instance on the provision of consular assistance. Beyond that, we are engaging diplomatically to secure Mwangi’s release unless Tanzania has reason for holding him longer in custody,” Singoei said.
Despite the limitations, the PS reassured the public and Maraga that the ministry is actively working behind the scenes and remains optimistic that ongoing diplomatic efforts will lead to Mwangi’s release.
“We are confident our efforts will prevail,” Singoei concluded.
Mwang’s detention
This comes after Boniface Mwangi’s detention in Tanzania on May 19, 2025, at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam, where he had travelled to attend the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
He was arrested alongside Ugandan activist and lawyer Agather Atuhaire by Tanzanian authorities, who claimed Mwangi provided false information to gain entry into the country.
The detention followed a confrontation with armed men in civilian clothes in his hotel room, who Mwangi said refused to identify themselves, prompting him to fear for his life.
This has sparked uproar among Kenyans calling for his release
