More police officers have been deployed outside the Tanzanian Embassy in Nairobi amid growing protests over the detention of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi in Tanzania.
On May 22, 2025, the National Police Service heightened security within and around the embassy as Kenyans planned to stage demonstrations.
Under international law, it is the responsibility of the host country to safeguard and provide security for embassies, consular offices, and their staff.
There is growing anticipation that Kenyan protesters will gather outside the embassy, located in Nairobi’s Central Business District, to pressure Tanzanian authorities to release Mwangi.
Mwangi—one of Kenya’s most prominent campaigners against corruption and police brutality—was among several regional activists who travelled to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu during his court appearance on Monday, May 20, 2025.
Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer and journalist Agatha Atuhaire were reportedly apprehended by Tanzanian authorities at their hotel in Dar es Salaam.
On Wednesday, May 21, Mwangi’s wife, Njeri, made a heartfelt plea for his release, describing the activist as a fearless advocate for justice and human rights.
“It has been very difficult because Boniface fights for people. If this were anybody else, he would be here. He takes the lead in defending people’s rights. For his rights to be violated is completely unfair. He fights for people all over the world. Whatever reason they are holding him for, it is not fair,” Njeri said, struggling to hold back tears.
Tensions also flared on Monday, May 20, 2025, outside the Tanzanian consulate in Mombasa, where human rights activists staged a protest demanding Mwangi’s immediate release.
Efforts by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) to engage with Tanzanian consular officials were unsuccessful, with the delegation reportedly denied entry.
“We were denied access. We call on Tanzania to release the detained Kenyans in the spirit of East African unity,” said MUHURI’s Rapid Response Officer, Francis Auma.
Salma Hemed, Senior Project Manager at Haki Africa, condemned the Tanzanian government for what she termed a violation of basic human rights.
“The arbitrary detention and deportation of observers shows blatant disregard for democratic norms,” she said.
