‘They Did Unimaginable Things To Me Before Releasing Me,’ Boniface Mwangi Recounts Four Harrowing Days in Tanzanian Custody

Kenyan human rights activist describes brutal torture ordeal as he returns home barely able to walk, calls for prayers for fellow detainee still missing

Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has returned home after four days of what he describes as brutal torture in Tanzanian custody, appearing frail and barely able to walk as he recounted his harrowing ordeal to journalists.

Speaking from a wheelchair at Moi International Airport in Mombasa on Thursday evening, the visibly shaken activist struggled to find words to describe his experience in detention.

“I have gone through four dark days. I have been tortured very badly. I can barely walk,” Mwangi said, his voice trembling as medical personnel prepared to airlift him to Nairobi for specialized treatment.

The activist was arrested in Dar es Salaam earlier this week while attempting to attend a court hearing for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. Mwangi was detained alongside Ugandan lawyer and journalist Agather Atuhaire, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

“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. Please pray for her,” Mwangi pleaded, his concern for his fellow detainee evident despite his own physical condition.

The ordeal began on Monday when Mwangi posted a video on social media showing a tense late-night confrontation at his hotel room with suspected plainclothes Tanzanian officers. In the footage, he described refusing to open his door to unidentified men who declined to show proper identification.

“I’m scared of my life because there are a lot of abductions in this country, a lot of executions in this country, and people are in jail for refusing Suluhu’s dictatorship,” Mwangi had said in the video, referencing Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Despite his precautions, Mwangi was subsequently arrested and held incommunicado for four days before being deported by road to the Kenyan border. Tanzanian authorities dumped him at Horohoro border post, from where he made his way to Lunga Lunga and eventually to Ukunda in Kwale County.

Muslim for Human Rights activist Khelef Khalifa, who picked up Mwangi at the border, described the activist’s condition as deeply concerning.

“He was badly beaten on his legs; he could barely walk. Torture is against the law. Can Tanzania tell us why they detained him? This is a violation of human rights,” Khalifa said.

Boniface Mwangi being helped by his wife to walk.

Videos shared by Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid showed Mwangi being wheeled through the airport, highlighting the severity of his physical condition. Medical personnel in Diani, where he was first taken for assessment, noted visible injuries and weakness.

Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, who rushed to be by his side, made an emotional plea to journalists to allow her husband to receive immediate medical attention.

“No questions… Please, no. He has already said he was tortured. I know this is important and you want a lot of information, but I beg you to please let him go home. He needs medical attention… he has told you himself he was wounded; they tortured him,” she said.

The activist’s detention sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations across East Africa and mounting diplomatic pressure. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi confirmed Mwangi’s release following public outcry and threats of protests outside the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi.

Hussein Khalid of Haki Africa condemned the Tanzanian government’s treatment of the Kenyan citizen, warning of international intervention if justice is not served.

“They were brutal and we will not take this thing lightly. If the Kenyan government is complicit we will involve the international community to seek redress,” Khalid stated.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights confirmed receiving Mwangi in Kwale County and coordinating his transfer to Nairobi for comprehensive medical evaluation. The full extent of his injuries remains to be determined by doctors in the capital.

Despite his ordeal, Mwangi expressed gratitude to Kenyans who advocated for his release.

“Thank you to everyone who spoke and stood with us; the solidarity was not in vain,” he said before being airlifted to Nairobi.

The incident has strained diplomatic relations between Kenya and Tanzania, with questions being raised about the treatment of East African citizens across borders. As Mwangi begins his recovery, concerns remain for Agather Atuhaire, whose fate continues to be unknown.

The activist’s case highlights growing tensions in Tanzania over human rights and political freedoms under President Suluhu’s administration, as opposition voices face increasing pressure and persecution.