Video: Boniface Mwangi Airlifted to Nairobi in a Wheelchair after Alleged Torture in Tanzania
- Boniface Mwangi was flown from Mombasa to Nairobi on Thursday for urgent medical care after being released from detention in Tanzania
- The activist appeared frail, describing his four-day detention as “horrific” and expressing concern for his co-detainee whose whereabouts remain unknown
- Human rights groups condemned Mwangi’s treatment and accused Tanzanian authorities of brutality, warning they would pursue justice
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Boniface Mwangi’s return to Kenya from detention in Tanzania was far from triumphant, it was a sobering homecoming marked by pain and calls for justice.
Source: UGC
On Thursday, May 22, the prominent activist was accompanied to Moi International Airport in Mombasa following his release from captivity.
He was en route to Nairobi for urgent medical treatment following what he described as torture during four harrowing days in Tanzanian custody.
Mwangi’s detention under unclear circumstances had sparked public outcry and action from Kenyan Foreign Affairs ministry.
Mwangi was wheeled into the terminal, appearing visibly frail and needing support, flanked by allies who had come to assist.
Briefly addressing journalists, the activist claimed he was tortured by Tanzanian authorities during his detention under President Samia Suluhu’s administration.
“I’m grateful to be back in Kenya. Those four days were horrific. I went through serious torture and I can barely walk. I’m especially worried about Agartha, who was detained with me. The abuse we suffered was terrible,” Mwangi said.
“I pray she’s safe. Wherever she is, she should know we’re standing in solidarity with her. Thank you to everyone who raised their voice, your support made a difference," he added.
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, who accompanied Mwangi at the airport, said the activist was in a dire state and needed specialised medical attention immediately.
“At least we have seen Mwangi. We want to rush him so that he can get medical treatment. His condition is not good at all. As you can see clearly, he can barely walk,” Khalid said.
Source: Facebook
How did Boniface Mwangi find his way to Kenya from Tanzania?
According to human rights defender Khelef Khalifa, Mwangi was dumped at the Horohoro border post and left to make his way to the Kenyan side at Lunga Lunga, where he was received and taken to Mombasa.
Mwangi’s wife, Hellen Njeri Mwangi, appealed to the public and media for patience as her husband focuses on his recovery.
“He’s already told you he was tortured. I know people want details, and that’s understandable. But I’m begging you, please let him go get treatment first. He’s injured, and right now, his health must come first. He’ll speak later,” she said.
Khalid condemned Mwangi’s treatment and vowed to pursue justice.
“Mwangi was tortured in Tanzania. And every time they did this, they referenced the Tanzanian president, asking him to say thank you as they brutalised him. These people were cruel,” Khalid said.
“We will not take this lightly. Be rest assured that we will take action. If the Kenyan government, which we believe is complicit in this matter, does nothing, we will engage the international community to ensure justice is served," he added.
Why were police deployed at Tanzania embassy in Kenya?
In a related development, Kenyan police officers were deployed to the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi ahead of planned protests by local activists.
The demonstrations were sparked by the detention of Mwangi in Tanzania, which triggered public outrage and calls for accountability.
Authorities took pre-emptive measures to prevent any disruptions or acts of lawlessness around the diplomatic premises.
Mwangi was detained in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, May 19, where he was reportedly attending a court session in support of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
