KWALE, Kenya – The family of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi can finally breathe a sigh of relief after he was deported from Tanzania on the morning of Thursday, May 22, 2025.
According to a report by Daily Nation, Mwangi was deported from Tanzania by road and dropped off in Ukunda, Kwale County, then quickly taken to the hospital for a medical checkup.
Mwangi had been detained in Dar es Salaam for almost a week, a move that sent his family members into panic.
Three days of fervent protests by Mwangi’s family, human rights advocates, and Kenyans in general following his detention by Tanzanian officials may come to an end with this latest development.
On the other hand, this can potentially revive long-standing rifts of mistrust over liberties and human rights between citizens and their governments.
How Kenya confronted Tanzania on Boniface Mwangi’s detention
Before his deportation, the Kenyan government had earlier broken its silence on Mwangi’s detention in Tanzania, issuing a formal diplomatic protest and calling for his immediate release or, at the very least, urgent consular access.
In a diplomatic note dated May 21, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed “deep concern” over the continued detention of Mwangi, a prominent photojournalist and human rights campaigner, by Tanzanian authorities.
The ministry accused the Tanzanian government of denying Kenyan officials access to Mwangi, who was reportedly arrested under unclear circumstances earlier this week.
It further raised alarm over his health, safety, and lack of legal representation, warning that such treatment contravenes international legal norms.
“Despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr. Mwangi,” the statement reads. “The ministry is also concerned about his health,rall well-being, and the absence of information regarding his detention.”
What the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations states
The diplomatic note, addressed to Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, cites the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which both nations are party to.
Article 36 of the treaty guarantees consular officers the right to communicate with and assist detained nationals abroad
Kenya is now demanding that Tanzania “expeditiously and without delay” allow consular access to Mwangi or release him outright.
The move marks a significant shift in tone from the Kenyan government, which had until now been criticised for its apparent silence.
Mwangi went missing on Tuesday, just a day after complaining that suspected security officers had camped outside his hotel room in Dar es Salaam.
Why Boniface Mwangi decided to travel to Tanzania before his detention
It is routine for Tanzanian authorities to knock on the doors of foreigners lodging in local hotels to check their papers.
However, in Mwangi’s case, it was unclear whether the intent was to check his papers or to arrest him.
Mwangi protested the move on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
He had travelled to Tanzania alongside other activists to stand in solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was arraigned on Monday. Tanzanian officials said they allowed dozens of observers to follow the court’s proceedings.
However, Mwangi was allowed to enter the country but was not able to go to court when Lissu, the CHADEMA party leader, was arraigned.
