Human rights groups are calling on Tanzanian authorities to investigate allegations of serious torture and sexual abuse made by two activists from Kenya and Uganda who were detained in Dar es Salaam last month.
Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda were reportedly held by Tanzanian police between 19 and 23 May 2025 while attempting to attend the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces charges of high treason that could carry the death penalty.
The activists have since come forward with allegations of ill-treatment, including torture and sexual abuse, during their detention. Their case has sparked outrage in the region and internationally.
On Tuesday, the Working Group on Police Reforms, a coalition of Kenyan civil society organisations, joined forces with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to demand accountability at a press conference in Nairobi. They called on both the East African Community and the wider international community to pressure the Tanzanian government to prosecute those responsible.
“Torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment are serious violations of international law,” the group said in a joint statement. “Tanzania must arrest and prosecute all officers involved in these abuses and ensure that they are brought to justice through fair legal processes.”
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton condemned Tanzania’s “ruthless campaign against the opposition” as the country prepares for general elections in October. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is seeking re-election, has previously faced criticism for banning the main opposition party Chadema over demands for electoral reforms.
The Tanzanian government has yet to officially respond to the allegations made by Mwangi and Atuhaire, despite multiple requests for comment.