Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire have been reportedly released from police custody in Tanzania following their arrest during a crackdown on foreign activists.

The two were part of a regional delegation that had traveled to Tanzania to observe the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

According to Tanganyika Law Society President Boniface Mwabukusi, the pair has been deported to their home countries.

“I have received reports from Advocate Emmanuel Ukashu, who was assigned to handle this matter, informing me that Mr Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan human rights activist, and Ms Agather Atuhaire, a Ugandan journalist and advocate, who were detained at the Central Police station in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania have been deported,” Mwabukusi wrote on X.

“Both individuals have been repatriated under the escort and supervision of officers from the Tanzania Immigration Services Department,” he added.

Further, Kenyan Lawyer Ian Mutiso also confirmed the release, saying: “We have confirmation that Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire are being released. I am grateful to Boniface Mwabukusi and members of the Tanganyika Law Society. It’s been a long 48 hours.”

The Standard could however not independently verify Mwangi’s exact whereabouts at the time of publication.

Local human rights groups, including Kongamano la Mapinduzi, had earlier called for Mwangi’s release, as his family reported being unable to contact him since his detention.

Ukweli Party, with which Mwangi is affiliated, had demanded his “immediate and unconditional” release, along with that of other activists believed to remain in custody.

In a statement issued Tuesday, May 20, the party criticised Tanzanian authorities for what it described as arbitrary deportations of Kenyan and Ugandan citizens, actions it said stand in stark contrast to the intended outcomes of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty.

“The rabid actions by Tanzania’s repressive administration are patently anti-Jumuiya, and we condemn them in their totality,” the statement read.

“Such actions risk eroding the trust and camaraderie essential to the EAC’s vision of a united, prosperous, and democratic region.”

The party also called on Tanzanian authorities to respect the right to free movement for East Africans, including regional observers attending Lissu’s trial. They also want Lissu released and the restoration of his rights.

Former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and politician Martha Karua were among six Kenyan human rights defenders barred from entering Tanzania to attend Lissu’s court appearance on Monday. 

Others turned away included activists Hussein Khalid, Hanifa Adan, and lawyers Lynn Ngugi, and Gloria Kimani.