Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has vowed to launch an international campaign to expose Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu following his recent detention in Dar es Salaam, which he described as the “worst form of torture.”
Just hours after being released from a four-day detention in Tanzania, renowned Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi issued a powerful and emotional statement condemning the actions of the Tanzanian government. He accused President Suluhu of presiding over a regime that silences dissent through repression, intimidation, and torture.
Mwangi, who was arrested alongside Ugandan journalist and fellow activist Agather Atuhaire, claimed they were subjected to dehumanizing treatment while being held by Tanzanian authorities. The two had traveled to Tanzania to attend a court hearing in solidarity with prominent opposition figure Tundu Lissu, a vocal critic of Suluhu’s administration.
A Chilling Account of Abuse Behind Bars
In his lengthy statement released on Thursday, Mwangi detailed the harrowing experiences he and Atuhaire endured while in custody. He described the detention conditions as inhumane and degrading, alleging that they were threatened with public humiliation if they spoke out.
“Everything that happened to us in Tanzania was done in Samia Suluhu’s name,” Mwangi wrote. “We shall speak for the Tanzanian victims who are too afraid to speak. What Suluhu did to us will be revealed to the world. We shall not be silenced by a torturous dictator who has her foot on the necks of the Tanzanian people.”
Mwangi further accused the authorities of treating them “worse than rabid dogs,” asserting that their treatment was not an isolated incident but a reflection of a wider culture of repression under Suluhu’s leadership.
Detention Sparks Regional Outrage
The arrest and subsequent treatment of Mwangi and Atuhaire have sparked widespread outrage both in Kenya and across the East African region. Prominent figures, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens have taken to social media and other platforms to condemn the incident, calling for accountability from the Tanzanian government.
Kenyan activist and senator Okiya Omtatah described the ordeal as “a direct assault on our shared East African values.” He emphasized the need for governments in the region to uphold human rights and democratic principles, especially in light of regional integration efforts under the East African Community (EAC).
“The actions taken against Boniface and Agather undermine the spirit of East African unity and cooperation. We cannot build a united region on the foundation of fear and repression,” Omtatah stated.
Political Leaders Divided Over Incident
While many Kenyans rallied behind Mwangi, his detention also exposed divisions among the country’s political elite. Some leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, defended the Tanzanian government, suggesting the activists may have acted in a manner deemed inappropriate by local authorities.
Cherargei, in a statement on social media, accused Mwangi of provoking the Tanzanian authorities and advised activists to respect the sovereignty and laws of host nations. Mudavadi echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement rather than public confrontation.
However, critics argue that such statements normalize authoritarian behavior and undermine the cause of human rights defenders across the continent.
A Call to African Unity Among Activists
Despite the trauma and pain, Mwangi remained defiant and urged fellow African activists not to be discouraged. He emphasized that the only way to combat dictatorial regimes is through unity and transnational solidarity.
“Our apprehension and detention should not stop the solidarity among African activists or deter us from showing up for each other. Dictators are united, and only our own unity can help democratize our respective countries,” he stated.
Mwangi’s call resonates with a growing movement of young African voices demanding more open, transparent, and accountable governments. His experiences highlight the shrinking space for civil society in many African countries, where governments often resort to intimidation to suppress dissent.
Spotlight on Tanzania’s Human Rights Record
Under President Samia Suluhu, Tanzania has faced increasing criticism from international human rights organizations for its handling of political opposition and civil liberties. While Suluhu was initially hailed as a reformist following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, recent events have cast doubt on her commitment to democratic principles.
The detention of Mwangi and Atuhaire adds to a series of incidents involving harassment of opposition leaders, journalists, and activists. Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over arbitrary arrests, media censorship, and restrictions on freedom of assembly in the country.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both called for independent investigations into such allegations and urged the Tanzanian government to uphold its international obligations under human rights treaties.
What’s Next for Boniface Mwangi?
Mwangi has promised to take his fight to the global stage. In a series of follow-up interviews and social media posts, he revealed plans to document and publish detailed accounts of the abuses they endured, as well as testimonies from other victims in Tanzania.
“We will use every platform available to us – from the streets to the international courts – to hold Suluhu accountable for what she’s doing to her people. No dictator, no matter how sophisticated their PR machine, can escape the truth,” Mwangi declared.
He also hinted at filing complaints with regional human rights bodies such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and possibly the United Nations Human Rights Council.
A Defining Moment for East African Democracy?
The treatment of Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire in Tanzania serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic freedoms in many parts of Africa. It also raises critical questions about the role of regional bodies like the East African Community in protecting fundamental rights.
As the world watches how this story unfolds, one thing is clear: the voices of African activists are growing louder, more united, and more determined. And despite the attempts to silence them, they continue to shine a spotlight on injustice in the pursuit of a freer, more democratic continent.