Boniface Mwangi deported to Ukunda, set to be airlifted to Nairobi for medical attention
Mwangi's lawyer James Kamau was quoted as saying he was tortured during his three-day ordeal in the neighbouring country
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has been found after he was deported and dumped in Ukunda, looking injured and frail.
Confirming his release by the Tanzanian authorities, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said he was released by the authorities this morning before they received him.
However, it did not reveal further details on the circumstances under which he was released amid reports that he was driven by Tanzanian officials to the Kwale town, which is approximately 92 kilometres north of the Tanzanian border at Lunga Lunga.
KNCHR, however, added that he would be transferred to Nairobi for medical attention and that he was in high spirits.
“This morning KNCHR received Human Rights Defender Boniface Mwangi in Kwale County following his release from Tanzanian Authorities. He is in high spirits. The Commission and other partners are making arrangements to transfer him to Nairobi for medical attention,” KNHCR said in a statement on social media.
The fate of Ugandan lawyer and journalist Agather Atuhaire, who was arrested with him, is, however, not yet clear. The country’s government has not commented on her situation.
Mwangi’s release came hours after the Foreign Affairs yesterday wrote to its Tanzanian counterparts asking for the whereabouts of the activist.
The ministry said Kenya had made multiple unsuccessful attempts to get updates from Tanzanian officials, adding that its consular officials have been denied consular access and information to Mwangi.
”The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall well-being, and the absence of information regarding his detention,” the note verbale read in part.
It said this was a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), which provides that consular officers shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending state and to have access to them.
Mwangi was detained in Tanzania on Monday where he had gone to give moral support to the Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu who was appearing in court over the treason charges.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, hundreds of activists had started trooping into the central business district and to the Tanzanian embassy in Kenya to demand the immediate release of Mwangi.
Heavy police presence was also noticeable to avert any cases of lawlessness within the areas.
