Mwangi, Atuhaire sue Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda over alleged torture, illegal deportation

Kenyan and Ugandan activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire have filed a case at the East African Court of Justice accusing the Tanzanian government of abducting, torturing, and illegally deporting them in May 2025. The two were detained in Dar es Salaam while observing the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, subjected to physical and sexual abuse, and later dumped across the Kenyan and Ugandan borders without explanation or charges. They are also holding the governments of Kenya and Uganda, along with the East African Community Secretary General, responsible for failing to protect their citizens and uphold regional laws. Supported by seven regional civil society organizations, the activists seek compensation of approximately KSh130 million each, public apologies, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and institutional reforms to prevent future violations. Despite extensive media coverage, the Kenyan and Ugandan governments reportedly took no meaningful action to secure their release or hold Tanzanian authorities accountable. The case highlights serious concerns over human rights violations and the failure of regional bodies to safeguard activists within East Africa.