Concerns raised over government's role in Boniface Mwangi's disappearance

The Kenya Kwanza administration continues to face criticism over its handling of the disappearance of activist Boniface Mwangi, who was reportedly deported from Tanzania under unclear circumstances.

Speaking during an interview with KTN, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid expressed concerns over what he described as a lackluster response by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Khalid suggested there may be collusion between Kenyan authorities and their Tanzanian counterparts in the violation of Mwangi’s rights, as well as those of Ugandan advocate Agather Atuhaire, who is also missing.

“We are highly doubtful of the Kenyan government's transparency in this matter. There is a possibility they are working in cahoots to suppress Mwangi’s freedoms. The Ministry has shown little urgency and several negative responses,” said Khalid.

Ian Mutiso Mbotela: I think this plays into the government's hands because the work Boniface Mwangi does is not only putting the current government in check, but most importantly, it's a problem that has been moved away from Kenya.#KTNPrime @R_okenye pic.twitter.com/q6V3XgZAvV

— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) May 21, 2025

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Khalid also dismissed claims that the Kenyan civil society delegation had traveled to Tanzania to interfere in the country’s political affairs.

“We went there in good faith. Some of us had return tickets and had no intention of disrupting the legal process. Our goal was simply to express solidarity with human rights defenders in the region,” he explained.

He added that the delegation, which included former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, was invited by Tanzanian counterparts to observe court proceedings involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

Advocate Ian Mutiso Mbotela echoed these sentiments, revealing that their team is in ongoing communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the activists’ disappearance.

“We have received official correspondence after applying sustained pressure for action. In addition, we have lodged a petition at the East African Court of Justice to compel accountability,” Mbotela said.

Mbotela also criticized remarks by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, who accused the Kenyan delegation of attempting to destabilize her country's political space.

“Such statements are backward and regressive. Our mission was purely rooted in solidarity and support for democratic values,” he asserted.

Mwangi and Agather's whereabouts remain unclear a day after reports emerged of their release from police custody in Tanzania.