A chilling new report has emerged from Tanzania, where Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi claims he endured horrific sexual torture while detained last month. Speaking out in a press conference in Nairobi, Mwangi revealed that he was stripped, beaten, and sexually assaulted, calling the experience "the darkest time of my life."
Mwangi traveled to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition politician Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges. During his detention, Mwangi and fellow Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire were allegedly threatened and manipulated into silence by their captors. Speaking to the BBC, Mwangi recounted the trauma he faced, saying, “You go through so much mental anguish… It lives with you.”
Tanzania's police department disputed these claims, labeling them as mere hearsay. However, regional rights groups and Amnesty International have condemned the incident, urging the Tanzanian government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the alleged torture.
Mwangi, still recovering from the physical wounds he sustained, hopes his story will bring awareness to the urgent need for human rights reform in Tanzania, especially as the country approaches its presidential elections in October. He stated, “What happened to me should never happen to anyone else,” highlighting the ongoing fight for justice and change in the region.
The U.S. Department of State has also expressed deep concern regarding the reported mistreatment of both activists. As calls for accountability grow louder, the world is watching Tanzania closely, waiting to see how the government responds to these alarming allegations.
