Renowned Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has made shocking allegations of torture during his recent detention in Tanzania, sparking outrage and calls for an investigation.
Mwangi, known for his outspoken activism on human rights and governance, detailed a harrowing experience at the hands of Tanzanian authorities.
“They told me to strip naked, tied me upside down, put lubricant in my rectum, and started inserting objects in my backside,” Mwangi recounted in a statement shared on social media platforms on June 2, 2025.
The activist did not specify the exact date or location of the incident but indicated it occurred during a recent encounter with Tanzanian security forces.
Mwangi’s allegations have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and activists across East Africa.
The activist, who has previously criticised both Kenyan and regional governments for human rights abuses, did not disclose the reasons for his detention or the identities of his alleged torturers, citing ongoing safety concerns.
Tanzanian authorities have yet to respond to the allegations. Efforts to reach the Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs for comment were unsuccessful by press time.
The incident has reignited concerns about the treatment of activists and dissenters in Tanzania, where reports of abductions, forced disappearances, and torture have surfaced in recent years.
Human rights organisations are calling for an independent investigation into Mwangi’s claims and urging the East African Community to address allegations of state-sponsored violence in the region.
Mwangi, who is now back in Kenya, stated he is seeking medical and psychological support following the ordeal.
