(In Kenya) Boniface Mwangi Reunites with Wife in Ukunda After Torture and Deportation from Tanzania

 

Ukunda, a serene coastal town in Kenya’s Kwale County, is drawing significant attention alongside renowned activist Boniface Mwangi, who experienced a heartfelt reunion with his wife, Njeri Mwangi, on May 22, 2025, following his dramatic deportation from Tanzania. Mwangi, a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice, was detained in Dar es Salaam alongside Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire while attending a court session for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing contentious treason charges. The activists’ detention sparked alarm across East Africa, particularly after days of silence regarding their whereabouts, raising fears of mistreatment and prompting urgent calls for their release from Kenyan activists, political figures, and international observers.

Tanzanian authorities eventually released Mwangi at the Horohoro border post, a move attributed to intense diplomatic pressure and public outcry led by groups like Defenders Coalition and Amnesty International Kenya. Reports indicate that Mwangi endured severe torture during his detention, leaving him physically frail and in need of immediate medical attention upon his return. Photos shared widely on social media captured the emotional moment of his reunion in Ukunda, showing a visibly weakened Mwangi supported by his wife and surrounded by fellow activists, who expressed relief and solidarity. The images have resonated deeply, galvanizing support for Mwangi while amplifying concerns about the safety of Atuhaire, whose whereabouts remain uncertain. The incident has heightened tensions between Kenya and Tanzania, fueling debates about regional human rights, the treatment of activists, and the implications of Lissu’s trial. Mwangi’s homecoming in Ukunda marks a bittersweet victory, with Kenyans rallying for justice and accountability as the activist recovers and the search for Atuhaire continues.