The Kenyan government has lodged a formal protest with the United Republic of Tanzania over the detention of activist Boniface Mwangi, who was arrested alongside Ugandan journalist Agatha Atuhaire earlier this week.
In a strongly worded diplomatic note, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed deep concern over Tanzania’s continued denial of consular access to Mwangi and the lack of information about his condition and whereabouts.
“Despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr. Mwangi,” the protest letter reads in part. “The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall wellbeing and the absence of information regarding his detention.”
Mwangi and Atuhaire were reportedly arrested at a hotel in Tanzania, where they had traveled to attend a court session involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Since their arrest, their location has not been disclosed.
The Ministry emphasized that the denial of consular access contravenes the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), which both Kenya and Tanzania have ratified.
The treaty guarantees the right of consular officers to visit detained nationals and ensure their welfare.
Kenya has demanded that Tanzania either allow immediate access to the detained activist or release him without further delay.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs respectfully urges the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Mr. Mwangi, in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms,” the letter added.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting from local civil society organizations. Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, members of the Kongamano la Mapinduzi alliance condemned the Tanzanian authorities’ actions, calling them a threat to regional democratic freedoms.
They issued a 24-hour ultimatum, threatening to stage cross-border protests if Mwangi is not released. As a first step, they vowed to “occupy” the Tanzanian Embassy in Nairobi by Wednesday.
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and politician Martha Karua were among other activists who were denied entry into Tanzania and deported, while former CJ David Maraga reportedly managed to enter the country without incident.
