Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire Sue Tanzanian Government Over Torture, Seek Ksh.130M Compensation

Why Are Mwangi and Atuhaire Taking Legal Action?
Human rights defenders Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire, alongside seven civil society organizations, have taken the Tanzanian government to the East African Court of Justice. Their petition accuses Tanzanian authorities of serious human rights abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, sexual assault, and unlawful deportation.

The activists are demanding compensation of at least USD 1 million (approximately Ksh. 130 million) each. They are also seeking formal apologies from the governments of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The petition further calls for rehabilitation and psychological support for the victims.

What Do the Activists Say Happened?
Mwangi and Atuhaire claim they were abducted in May from their hotel in Dar es Salaam by unknown individuals. They were first taken to the Immigration Department and the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam, then transferred to an undisclosed location where they endured torture and sexual abuse. Eventually, Mwangi was dumped across the border into Kenya, while Atuhaire was abandoned in Uganda.

They say they were never informed of the reasons behind their detention, nor told who had ordered their deportation.

“What happened to us was evil and meant to silence us, but we refused. We are going to court not only to fight for justice, but to show the world what happened to us in the dark,” said Mwangi in a written statement.

Mwangi and Atuhaire had travelled to Tanzania to observe the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Their case has now drawn regional attention, spotlighting the growing risks faced by civil society actors across East Africa.

By Yockshard Enyendi