Kenyan Activist Boniface Mwangi Released from Tanzanian Custody Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — In a notable diplomatic breakthrough, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was released from Tanzanian custody on Thursday, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. His release followed sustained pressure from Nairobi after Mwangi was detained in Dar es Salaam earlier this week while attending a court hearing for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

Mwangi had been arrested on allegations of providing false information to Tanzanian security authorities — charges that immediately sparked backlash and drew sharp diplomatic intervention from Kenya. In response, Nairobi issued a formal protest, invoking provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and demanding immediate consular access to the detained activist.

The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that Mwangi was safely received at the Kenya-Tanzania border. While visibly bruised, he was described as being in “good spirits,” according to statements from Deputy President Musalia Mudavadi and other Kenyan officials involved in the diplomatic negotiations.

Mwangi’s 48-hour detention triggered widespread condemnation from human rights groups, civil society organizations, and political leaders across East Africa. Many had called for his unconditional release, citing concerns over freedom of expression and the safety of activists operating across the region.

At the time of his release, Tanzanian authorities had not yet issued a public statement, though regional observers have noted the growing diplomatic strain between the two nations, particularly over issues related to political freedoms and activist movements.

Mwangi, known for his outspoken stance on governance and justice, vowed to speak out about his experience in Tanzanian custody, calling it part of a broader pattern of state intimidation. His case is likely to intensify scrutiny of Tanzania’s human rights record ahead of upcoming regional forums.