Kenya offering consular support in Boniface Mwangi's case- PS Sing'Oei

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has said the government’s role in the case of activist Boniface Mwangi, who is being held in Tanzania, is limited to consular support and diplomatic engagement.

Responding to criticism from former Chief Justice David Maraga, who accused the government of inaction, Sing’Oei said the ministry’s primary responsibility is to ensure the rights of detained citizens are upheld.

"The Ministry’s obligation to a national who has been apprehended by a foreign country is limited and focused in the first instance on the provision of consular assistance," he said.

He added that the government is in contact with Tanzanian authorities to try and secure Mwangi’s release.

"Beyond that, we are engaging diplomatically to secure Mwangi’s release unless Tanzania has reason for holding him longer in custody. We are confident our efforts will prevail," he said.

Maraga had criticised the government over what he described as a failure to act swiftly to secure Mwangi’s release, calling the detention unlawful.

"I am deeply concerned by the continued detention of Boniface Mwangi by authorities in the United Republic of Tanzania without access to the courts, legal counsel or consular representation, in clear violation of international human rights law. I condemn the failure by the Kenyan government to show any urgency in ensuring that Boniface Mwangi is freed immediately and unconditionally," he said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a statement asking Tanzania to act in line with international standards.

It called on the Tanzanian government to "expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release Mwangi in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms".

Kenya expressed hope that the issue will be resolved peacefully while also reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strong relations with Tanzania.