Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has expressed frustration over lack of transparency regarding renowned activist Boniface Mwangi’s situation in Tanzania.
The Ministry has stated that Tanzanian authorities have not provided information on his whereabouts, despite diplomatic inquiries.
“The Ministry notes that, despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr. Mwangi. The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall wellbeing and the absence of information regarding his detention,” noted the Ministry in a statement
Mwangi was arrested in Dar es Salaam alongside Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire while attempting to attend the court hearing of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who facing treason charges.
Initially, reports had indicated it Mwangi had been deported; however, it later emerged he had not been released. Attempts to locate him, have been futile leading to concerns about his whereabouts.
Kenya is now calling on Tanzanian government to grant access to Mwangi or ensure his release to stop speculation on the matter, citing international legal obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs respectfully urges the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Boniface Mwangi, in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms,” stated the Ministry
The Ministry reiterated that the Government of Kenya is committed the cordial bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and expresses the hope that this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably, in the spirit of regional cooperation and mutual respect.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday warned foreign activists against alleged meddling in the country’s internal affairs, asserting that her administration respects human rights.
