US Calls for Probe into Alleged Torture of Kenyan and Ugandan Activists in Tanzania
The United States government has joined a growing chorus of international concern over the alleged abuse of Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi and his Ugandan counterpart Agather Atuhaire while in the custody of Tanzanian authorities.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 24, the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs condemned the reported mistreatment and called for a swift, transparent investigation into the ordeal suffered by the two activists. “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,” the statement read.
The Bureau urged authorities in the East African region to uphold international human rights obligations and ensure that those responsible for the alleged acts are brought to justice. “We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture,” it added.
Mwangi and Atuhaire’s accounts of their treatment have triggered public outrage and cast a spotlight on Tanzania’s human rights practices under President Samia Suluhu’s leadership.
Boniface Mwangi was detained for over three days before being deported from Tanzania and discovered on Thursday, May 22, in Ukunda, Kenya. His family and legal team confirmed his return and described his physical condition as alarming, with visible injuries to his feet and body. Photographs circulating online showed him in what supporters described as a severely deteriorated state.
Agather Atuhaire was found the following day—Friday, May 23—abandoned at the Mutukula border crossing between Uganda and Tanzania. Both activists have accused Tanzanian authorities of subjecting them to torture, claiming they were warned against speaking publicly about their experiences.
Mwangi recounted that the abuse was the most severe he had ever endured, emphasizing the psychological and physical trauma inflicted. He alleged that the intent was not only to harm but also to silence and intimidate. “We were told we would be humiliated publicly if we spoke about what happened,” Mwangi said.
The U.S. statement amplifies international calls for accountability, adding diplomatic weight to the growing demands for answers from the Tanzanian government. As of now, there has been no official response from Tanzanian authorities regarding the allegations or the U.S. statement.
Human rights organizations across Africa have rallied in support of the activists, urging immediate action to safeguard civic freedoms and protect those who speak out against injustice in the region.
The case has reignited concerns about shrinking democratic space and state-led repression in East Africa, with advocacy groups warning of a troubling pattern of cross-border targeting of dissidents and civil society actors.
The international spotlight is now firmly on Tanzania as pressure mounts to investigate and address the serious allegations made by Mwangi and Atuhaire. The coming days will be critical in determining whether regional and international demands for justice will lead to accountability or be met with silence.
Also Read: ‘Barbaric!’: Kakamega’s Bullfighting Premier League Gets a Red Flag from the U.S
US Calls for Probe into Alleged Torture of Kenyan and Ugandan Activists in Tanzania