The Government of Kenya has demanded immediate consular access to Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan activist detained in Tanzania alongside Ugandan journalist and activist Agather Atuhaire. The two were arrested while reportedly en route to attend the trial of a Tanzanian opposition leader.
In a formal diplomatic note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed deep concern over Mwangi’s apprehension, lack of access to legal representation, and his overall wellbeing.
Mwangi, who holds Kenyan passport number BK 472892, is being held by Tanzanian authorities under undisclosed charges. Kenyan officials say multiple requests for access to him have been denied, violating international diplomatic norms.
“The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall wellbeing and the absence of information regarding his detention,” the note reads.
Kenya reminded Tanzania of their shared obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), which guarantees detained foreign nationals access to consular services. Article 36 of the Convention entitles consular officers to freely communicate with and visit detained citizens of their country.
The Kenyan government urged Tanzania to “expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Mr. Mwangi” in accordance with international law.
Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement and expressed hope that the matter would be resolved swiftly and amicably.
The note was formally delivered to Tanzanian authorities in Dodoma and dated May 21, 2025.