The continued detention of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi by Tanzanian authorities has sparked widespread outrage, with former Chief Justice David Maraga joining a growing chorus of voices demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

In a strongly worded statement seen by People Daily Digital on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Maraga condemned the Tanzanian government for what he described as a blatant disregard of international human rights standards.

“I am deeply concerned by the continued detention of Boniface Mwangi by authorities in the United Republic of Tanzania without access to the courts, legal counsel, or consular representation. This is in clear violation of international human rights law,” Maraga said on his official X account.

Mwangi, a prominent photojournalist, activist, and outspoken critic of government corruption, was detained last week under unclear circumstances while in Tanzania. Neither the Tanzanian government nor the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has provided clarity on the reasons for his arrest or the conditions of his detention.

Maraga criticized the Kenyan government’s apparent inaction, stating, “I condemn the failure by the Kenyan government to show any urgency in ensuring that Boniface Mwangi is freed immediately and unconditionally.”

Maraga’s plea

As outrage continues to build, pressure is mounting on the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to provide answers.

 “I urge the ministry to urgently provide the public with clear information about Boniface Mwangi’s specific circumstances, the reason the Tanzanian government continues to detain him, and what effort it is making to ensure that Tanzania complies with international human rights law,” Maraga stated.

The former Chief Justice also extended a message of hope and solidarity to Mwangi’s family, who have yet to hear from him since his arrest.

 “During this difficult time, I extend my solidarity with the family and friends of Boniface Mwangi. I pray for his swift and safe return to his wife and children.”

This is not the first time Maraga has publicly defended Mwangi. In previous remarks, he praised the activist’s courage and dedication to social justice. “Boniface Mwangi has always stood for truth and accountability, often at great personal risk. His work has opened the eyes of many Kenyans to systemic injustices,” Maraga once said at a public lecture in Nairobi.

Civil society organizations and human rights defenders across East Africa have rallied behind Mwangi, demanding his immediate release and calling on regional bodies like the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to intervene.

“Detaining a well-known activist without access to legal representation or even consular support is unacceptable in any democratic society,” Martha Karua, leader of People’s Liberation, said.

Karua added, “The silence from both the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments is deafening and disturbing.”

So far, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has not issued an official statement addressing the concerns.

Maraga’s call for accountability underscores the gravity of the situation: “This is not just about Boniface Mwangi. It’s about the kind of society we want to live in, one that respects human rights and the rule of law,” he asserted.