Maraga slams Boniface Mwangi's detention, cites human rights breach

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the detention of activist Boniface Mwangi by the Tanzanian government, terming it a “violation of international human rights law.”

Maraga, who managed to travel to Tanzania and back, said  Mwangi has been held in incommunicado detention for four days, causing anguish and anxiety to his family.

“I am deeply concerned by the continued detention of Boniface Mwangi by authorities in the United Republic of Tanzania without access to the courts, legal counsel or consular representation,” Maraga said.

Mwangi was arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday alongside Ugandan journalist and activist Agather Atuhaire, after travelling to observe Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s trial.

Both were reportedly detained by suspected military personnel, sparking immediate concern from regional civil society groups.

On her part, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu responded with a firm stance against foreign activism, accusing them of interfering in local matters.

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“We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,” she said during the unveiling of Tanzania’s new foreign policy on Monday.

Mwangi’s wife, journalist Njeri Mwangi, said her family has been kept in the dark throughout the ordeal.

“I last spoke to Boniface on Monday afternoon. The Tanzanian authorities are saying they have deported him, but why is there no communication? Where is Bonnie?” she asked during a press briefing.

“Give us back Boniface, wounded or dead. It has been very agonising for my family, and it is not fair or right what they are doing to him.”

Njeri added that officials at the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi had no information about her husband’s whereabouts, despite reports from a Tanzanian rights group claiming police had deported the two activists.

Former CJ Maraga also expressed frustration with the Kenyan government’s lack of urgency.

“I condemn the failure by the Kenyan government to show any urgency in ensuring that Boniface Mwangi is freed immediately and unconditionally,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to disclose Mwangi’s status.

“I urge the Ministry to urgently provide the public with clear information about Boniface Mwangi’s specific circumstances; the reason the Tanzanian government continues to detain him; and what effort it is making to ensure that Tanzania complies with international human rights law,” Maraga stated.