Speak & Die: Boniface Mwangi Reveals Chilling Threats After Tanzanian Detention
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi reveals shocking death threats after detention in Tanzania, vows to keep fighting for human rights across Africa.
Kenyan activist Bonface Mwangi.
By Robert Assad
Activist Boniface Mwangi has broken his silence following a terrifying detention in Tanzania, revealing shocking death threats and accusing the Kenyan government of abandoning him during his darkest hour.
In his first press briefing since the incident, held in Nairobi alongside Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, Mwangi shared harrowing details of the abduction, psychological torture, and chilling warnings from his captors.
“They blindfolded me, handcuffed me, and held me in a dark room,” Mwangi said. “I was assaulted repeatedly. The night before my release, they told me, ‘If you ever return to Tanzania, we’ll kill you. If you talk about what we did, we’ll find you and kill you.’”
Betrayed by His Own Government
What has outraged many Kenyans is Mwangi’s claim that the Kenyan government failed to protect him, even appearing to side with Tanzanian authorities during his detention.
“My government let me down. It claimed we were interfering with Tanzanian politics, but that’s a lie. We were there to stand in solidarity with fellow human rights defenders,” he said.
Mwangi emphasized that his visit was no secret and followed a long tradition of cross-border African activism.
“I’ve been to Uganda when Bobi Wine was under house arrest. I’ve visited political prisoners in many African countries. I am an African. Africa is my home,” he added.
Released Under Threat and Fear
After days in captivity, Mwangi says he was released at 4:30 AM, driven in darkness, and dumped at an unknown location.
“They gave me 20,000 Tanzanian shillings and 400 Kenyan shillings. A bodaboda rider was waiting. I suspect a deal had been made. He took me straight to the border,” he recounted.
A Vow to Keep Fighting
Despite the trauma, Mwangi is undeterred.
Standing beside Atuhaire, he declared, “We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated. The fight for justice continues.”
Why It Matters:
This chilling experience reveals the growing danger faced by African human rights defenders, not only from hostile regimes but also from indifference at home. Mwangi’s story is a wake-up call to every citizen who values freedom and truth.
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