Human Rights activist Boniface Mwangi has spoken out about the harrowing experience he endured during his recent detention in Tanzania, describing four days of severe torture that left him barely able to walk.

Speaking after his release on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, Mwangi revealed the physical and emotional toll of his ordeal at the hands of the Tanzanian authorities before being deported to Kenya.

“I have gone through four dark days; I have been tortured very badly. I can barely walk,” Mwangi narrated.

He extended his gratitude to the public and supporters who raised their voices and stood in solidarity during his detention.

“Thank you to everyone who spoke and stood with us; the solidarity was not in vain,” he added.

Mwangi also expressed deep concern for his fellow detainee, Ugandan journalist and lawyer Agather, with whom he was held and subjected to similar brutal treatment.

“I am very concerned about Agather because we were tortured together, and they did very horrible things to us. So, I hope Agather is safe,” he stated.

Deported

Mwangi’s narration comes after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR), in an official statement shared on X, confirmed his deportation from Tanzania.

“@hakiKNCHR this morning received Human Rights Defender @bonifacemwangi in Kwale County following his release from Tanzanian authorities; he is in high spirits. The Commission and other partners are making arrangements to transfer him to Nairobi for medical attention,” the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights stated in their X update.

@hakiKNCHR this morning recieved Human Rights Defender @bonifacemwangi in Kwale County following his release from Tanzanian Authorities.

He is in high spirits. The Commission and other partners are making arrangements to transfer him to Nairobi for medical attention.

More… pic.twitter.com/BibNosV9XL

— KNCHR (@HakiKNCHR) May 22, 2025

Frightening encounter

Earlier on Monday, May 19, 2025, Mwangi had posted a video on his social media account recounting a late-night standoff with suspected plainclothes Tanzanian officers who appeared at his hotel room unannounced.

“I’m scared of my life because there are a lot of abductions in this country, a lot of executions in this country, and people are in jail for refusing Suluhu’s dictatorship,” Mwangi said, referencing Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In the video, the activist said he refused to open his door, citing safety concerns.

He asked the men to identify themselves by sliding their badges under the door, but they declined.

One of the individuals warned Mwangi that his non-compliance was aggravating the situation.

“I told them, ‘If you want to arrest me, break the door,” Mwangi said.

The men eventually left, but he was later arrested and detained.