Boniface Mwangi Released and Deported from Tanzania in Dramatic Turn of Events

Activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi has been released and deported to Kenya after being detained in Tanzania, sparking outrage across East Africa.

The controversial arrest and deportation occurred just as Mwangi was set to attend opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s court trial in Dar es Salaam.

His sudden arrest and swift removal have ignited debates on freedom of movement, regional laws, and human rights violations. The development has drawn attention from civil society groups, regional leaders, and the public.

 Boniface Mwangi’s arrest and deportation have opened a wider conversation about the rights of East African citizens to move freely, observe political events, and express their views. While he is now safely back in Kenya, the controversy continues to simmer. [Photo: Courtesy]

Boniface Mwangi Released After Detention in Tanzania Raises Legal and Political Questions

Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agatha Atuhaire were arrested in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, May 19, 2025. The two had traveled to Tanzania to attend the trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu. However, authorities claimed that Mwangi had entered the country using false information and detained him at the Central Police Station.

Boniface Mwabukusi, President of the Tanganyika Law Society, confirmed the pair’s release and deportation. He stated that officers from the Tanzania Immigration Services supervised their deportation back to Kenya and Uganda, respectively. According to Mwabukusi, the arrests violated both the East African Community Treaty and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The deportation has sparked criticism from regional human rights defenders and civil society organizations. Mwabukusi urged regional leaders to uphold the principles of free movement and human rights within the East African Community. He stressed that such arrests erode public confidence in regional cooperation and basic freedoms.

Why Was Boniface Mwangi Arrested in the First Place

Boniface Mwangi arrived in Tanzania on Saturday, May 18, 2025. He was there to observe Tundu Lissu’s legal proceedings, a move supported by other East African activists and political observers. However, his arrest on Sunday night from his hotel room shocked many.

Tanzanian authorities accused Mwangi of entering the country irregularly by providing false information. This claim was immediately challenged by his wife, Njeri Mwangi, who led the call for his release. She insisted that Mwangi had declared the purpose of his visit and questioned why he was singled out among other activists.

“He was there to observe, not to cause trouble,” Njeri stated. “There were many activists in Tanzania, yet he was the only one arrested. That tells you this was more about politics than legality.”

Other activists, including Ndungi Githuku, echoed her sentiments. “We are East Africans. We have the right to visit each other’s countries freely. This is not just about Mwangi — it’s about all of us and our rights.”

Public Outcry and Pressure Forced Swift Action

The arrest triggered a massive online and offline campaign calling for the release of both Mwangi and Atuhaire. Civil rights groups in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania joined forces, accusing the Tanzanian government of stifling free speech and political observation.

The strongest push came from Mwangi’s wife and fellow activists, who issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Tanzanian government. They demanded the immediate release of the detainees or else promised widespread protest and diplomatic pressure.

The quick response suggests the campaign worked. Within hours, Tanzanian officials arranged their deportation — a clear attempt to quell mounting tension.

Still, the damage was already done. Questions remain about the legality of the arrests and the motives behind them. Critics say it sets a dangerous precedent for the future of activism and regional cooperation in East Africa.

Tanzania Defends Its Actions While Critics See a Crackdown

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu offered her side of the story on Monday, May 19. She accused Kenyan activists of trying to stir unrest and disrupt Tanzania’s peace. Though she didn’t mention Mwangi by name, her statement painted visiting activists as a threat to national stability.

“We’ve started seeing a trend where some activists from our neighbouring countries want to use Tanzania as a stage for their issues,” she said.

But critics aren’t buying it. Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, PLP leader Martha Karua, and journalist Hanifa Adan were also barred from attending Lissu’s trial. Many believe this is a clear attempt by the Tanzanian government to silence regional scrutiny.

The event has now taken on symbolic weight. “Boniface Mwangi Released” is more than a news headline — it’s a call for greater regional accountability. The incident highlights the growing tension between governments and civil society in East Africa.