The United States government has demanded investigations into the ordeals of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and his Ugandan counterpart Agather Atuhaire at the hands of Tanzanian authorities.
Through a statement released on Saturday, May 24, the US, through their Bureau of African Affairs, expressed concern over the alleged torture and mistreatment of Mwangi and Agather in Tanzania.
“The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of two East African activists – Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi,” it stated.
“We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses,” the Bureau asserted.
At the same time, the US urged countries in the East African region to hold the perpetrators of the alleged acts accountable and bring them to book.
“We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture,” it noted.
The latest follows a massive uproar directed towards Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu after details of what Mwangi and Agather experienced at the hands of individuals believed to be Tanzanian police emerged.
Boniface Mwangi was released on Thursday, May 22, after being in detention for more than three days. He was deported by road from Tanzania and found in Ukunda, according to his family and lawyers.
On the other hand, Agather was found abandoned at the Mutukula border between Uganda and Tanzania on Friday, May 23.
Both activists accused Suluhu of facilitating their torture at the hands of authorities, with Mwangi describing the ordeal as the worst form of torture, alleging that they were threatened with public humiliation if they revealed details of their treatment.
While narrating his ordeal, Mwangi revealed that he could not walk properly, with images shared online showing injuries to his feet and body. The images further showed him in a deplorable state. He was later airlifted to Nairobi, where he is currently receiving treatment.
In the case of Agather, she was reported to be in a bad condition after her release and lawyer James Kamau claimed she had been abused by the authorities.
Both Agather and Mwangi were in Tanzania to observe Tundu Lissu's trial, which has been a focal point for discussions on political freedom and human rights in the region. Lissu, a prominent opposition figure, faces treason charges related to a speech he made in April.
Hours after his release from detention in Tanzania, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi issued a fiery statement vowing to expose President Samia Suluhu for alleged torture and repression.
