Boniface Mwangi still held by immigration, Tanzanian lawyer says
The President of the Tanganyika Law Society, Boniface Mwabukusi, confirmed that the two are no longer in police custody but remain under the control of the Tanzanian Immigration Department.
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist and lawyer Agatha Atuhaire have not yet been deported from Tanzania, despite earlier reports to the contrary.
In a new statement issued Wednesday, the President of the Tanganyika Law Society, Boniface Mwabukusi, confirmed that the two are no longer in police custody but remain under the control of the Tanzanian Immigration Department.
"It has now come to our attention that, contrary to initial information, the two individuals have not yet been deported. We have since established that they are no longer in police custody but remain held by the Immigration Department of the United Republic of Tanzania," Mwabukusi said.
The clarification comes a day after Mwabukusi had initially stated that the two had already been deported.
The updated information followed growing concern from human rights groups, particularly after Boniface Mwangi’s sudden disappearance triggered public attention.
Mwangi had travelled to Tanzania on Sunday to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and was arrested the next day at his hotel. Authorities in Tanzania claimed he had entered the country irregularly.
Mwabukusi urged the Immigration Department to handle the matter in accordance with the law and regional obligations.
"We respectfully urge the Immigration authorities to ensure that all actions taken comply fully with the Constitution, statutory requirements, and principles of natural justice. Due process must be strictly observed in line with both domestic law and applicable regional obligations," he said.
Human rights organisation VOCAL Africa, through its CEO Hussein Khalid, had earlier raised alarm over the activists’ whereabouts.
The group called for their release and demanded transparency in the handling of the matter by Tanzanian authorities.
Mwabukusi assured the public that legal support is ongoing and the situation is being closely monitored.
"Our legal team on the ground is actively monitoring the situation and exploring appropriate legal remedies to facilitate a just and timely resolution," he said.
He also apologised for the confusion caused by his earlier announcement, saying, “We regret any earlier miscommunication and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The case continues to draw regional attention as legal teams and human rights defenders press for clarity and accountability in the treatment of Mwangi and Atuhaire.
