Journalist and activist Hellen Njeri Mwangi has broken her silence after her husband, Boniface Mwangi, publicly shared the harrowing ordeal he endured during his recent detention in Tanzania.
In a statement shared via her official Instagram account on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Njeri recounted their wedding vows, acknowledging that nothing could have prepared them for the ordeal Boniface Mwangi experienced in Tanzania.
She admitted that the experience has been profoundly challenging for their family.
“When I said, ‘For better or for worse,’ I guess nothing could have prepared us for this. This has been really hard. Whoa, may peace abound,” she wrote.
Harrowing experience
Njeri’s insights come hours after Mwangi publicly recounted their harrowing experience while in Tanzanian custody.
Speaking during a press briefing held in Nairobi on May 2, 2025, Mwangi revealed the graphic details of his abuse, stating that he was stripped naked, tied upside down, and severely beaten.
“They told me to strip naked, and when I did, I was grabbed by four men who lifted me so fast. When they lifted me up, they tied me upside down. They started beating my feet; I screamed, but no tears were coming out. One guy said, ‘weka moto (ignite fire). They put lubricant in my rectum and started inserting objects in my rectum,” he stated while breaking down into tears like a baby.
Injuries
The activist had earlier shared what he endured during his recent detention in Tanzania, describing four days of severe torture that left him barely able to walk.
Speaking after his release on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, Mwangi revealed the physical and emotional toll of his ordeal at the hands of the Tanzanian authorities before being deported to Kenya.
“I have gone through four dark days; I have been tortured very badly. I can barely walk,” Mwangi narrated.
He extended his gratitude to the public and supporters who raised their voices and stood in solidarity during his detention.
“Thank you to everyone who spoke and stood with us; the solidarity was not in vain,” he added.
Mwangi also expressed deep concern for his fellow detainee, Ugandan journalist and lawyer Agather, with whom he was held and subjected to similar brutal treatment.
“I am very concerned about Agather because we were tortured together, and they did very horrible things to us. So, I hope Agather is safe,” he stated.
