Gov't denies involvement in arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi by Tanzanian officials

The Kenyan government has addressed and rejected accusations that it played a role in the recent arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi by Tanzanian authorities.

The same allegations also suggested the State's involvement in the deportation of former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, human rights advocate Hanifa Adan, and opposition figure Martha Karua.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei issued a response on Sunday, May 22, where he refuted the claims, which had been circulated by the East African, a media publication.

According to Sing’Oei, there was no coordination or communication between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam regarding the detentions or deportations in question.

"Perused your story & found no causal link between what happened to our compatriots and Kenya’s role in it to warrant the headline(s). All you will find is efforts to link disparate & unrelated developments in the past to the events of the week," said the PS.

The publication spotlighted Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s actions, notably his public remarks suggesting that the regional democracy advocates who travelled to Dar es Salaam were acting independently.

Speaking at a public event, Mudavadi remarked, "When we tell people Kenya is a democratic country, they don’t believe it. They thought they could export the absurdity they’ve been practicing here to a neighboring country. What happened? They never left the airport; they were told to return home."

In a subsequent media interview, Mudavadi backed Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s comments on Kenyans bringing disruptive behaviors into her country and affirmed that he would not issue a protest note to Tanzania.

Mudavadi acknowledged, “Let’s face it, the level of etiquette and the kind of insults we witness in Kenya at times go too far. President Suluhu is right. Our conduct and statements often fall short of basic integrity.”

The remarks triggered backlash from Kenyans, who accused Nairobi of siding with oppressive regimes in the region to suppress those advocating for democratic freedoms.

Korir’s response came just days after activist Boniface Mwangi was detained by Tanzanian authorities for nearly four days before being released and dropped off at the Horohoro border post near Ukunda in Kwale County on May 22, 2025.

Ugandan activist and journalist Agather Atuhaire, who was detained alongside Boniface Mwangi, was reportedly released at the Mutukula border between Tanzania and Uganda on the night of May 23, 2025.

Both Mwangi and Atuhaire alleged they witnessed acts of torture by Tanzanian authorities during their detention.

Meanwhile, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu reaffirmed her administration’s stance, stating that her government would not tolerate external interference in its domestic affairs.