Tanzanian lawyers outraged with treatment of Kenyan, Uganda, activists

The Tanganyika Law Society has expressed concern over the treatment of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and his Ugandan counterpart Agatha Atuhaire in Tanzania.

In a statement, Tanganyika Law Society President B.A.K. Mwabukusi underscored the importance of respecting human rights, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

Mwabukusi emphasised that regional legal and human rights frameworks — including the East African Community Treaty and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights — must be upheld to ensure freedom of movement, expression, and protection for journalists and human rights defenders.

“As advocates for human rights, constitutionalism, and the rule of law in the East African region, we are duty-bound to continue engaging our respective national and regional authorities to ensure adherence to the Constitutions, municipal laws, and binding regional and international legal instruments,” he said.

He confirmed the deportation of Mwangi and Atuhaire from Tanzania. The two had been detained at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam since May 19, 2025.

According to Mwabukusi, the deportations were carried out under the supervision of the Tanzania Immigration Services Department.

Mwangi was reportedly arrested for allegedly providing false information upon entry into Tanzania, having arrived on May 18.

The incident has sparked renewed calls for greater protections for journalists operating across borders in East Africa, where press freedoms and the treatment of civil society actors remain pressing regional issues.

Mwangi, who arrived in Tanzania on Sunday to attend the opposition leader Tundu Lissu's trial the following day, was arrested on Monday, May 19, in his hotel.

Mwangi was among several activists and high-profile individuals, including People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Journalist Hanifa Adan, and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who were barred from attending Lissu's trial.

President Samia Suluhu on Monday said foreign activists would not be allowed to “interfere” in the country's affairs after several tried to attend Lissu’s trial.

"We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs," Hassan said in a televised speech during the launch of the country’s new foreign policy.