Where Is Boniface Mwangi? Kenya Presses Tanzania For Answers

Nairobi, May 22 – The Kenyan government has raised alarm over the continued disappearance of prominent activist Boniface Mwangi, who was reportedly arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday and allegedly deported by Tanzanian authorities , but whose whereabouts remain unknown.

In a formal protest note addressed to Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed “deep concern” over Mwangi’s detention and demanded immediate consular access or his release. The letter revealed that all attempts to communicate with Tanzanian authorities or locate Mwangi have been unsuccessful.

Mwangi was apprehended early Monday, May 19, at his hotel in Dar es Salaam by individuals claiming to be Tanzanian police. In a video he posted during the incident, the men, armed but without identification, demanded he leave with them. Mwangi insisted on waiting for his lawyers before complying. Later that day, reports emerged that he had been arrested for obstruction and irregular entry and was being held pending deportation.

Tanzania announced Tuesday that Mwangi had been deported to Kenya. However, Kenyan officials have been unable to confirm his return, sparking fears for his safety and wellbeing.

Citing the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), Kenya emphasized that it has a legal right to access detained nationals and arrange legal representation. The Ministry accused Tanzania of violating international diplomatic norms by denying access and withholding information.

Kenya urged Tanzanian authorities to “expeditiously and without delay” grant consular access or release Mwangi. While reaffirming its commitment to strong bilateral ties, Kenya stressed that resolving the matter promptly is essential to maintaining regional cooperation and mutual respect.