Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei [KORIR/X]Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has issued an update regarding the case of outspoken activist Boniface Mwangi, emphasising the limitations of the Ministry’s role when a Kenyan national is apprehended in a foreign country.
He was reacting to remarks made by Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who faulted the state over inaction, after the activist's arrest in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
He stated that the Ministry’s primary obligation in such situations is to offer consular assistance, which includes ensuring the detained individual’s rights are respected.
“The Ministry’s obligation to a national who has been apprehended by a foreign country is limited and focused in the first instance on the provision of consular assistance,” PS Korir said.
He said that efforts were underway to engage with the host country through diplomatic channels to secure the activist's release from custody.
“Beyond that, we are engaging diplomatically to secure Mwangi’s release unless Tanzania has reason for holding him longer in custody. We are confident our efforts will prevail,” he stated.
Maraga termed Mwangi’s detention in Tanzania a violation of international law as his whereabouts remain unknown.
He went on to say that the government has not shown any urgency to ensure the activist is unconditionally released.
“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, in clear violation of international human rights law.
“I condemn the failure by the Kenyan government to show any urgency in ensuring that Boniface Mwangi is freed immediately and unconditionally,” Maraga said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an update on the same.
In a statement, they urged the Government of Tanzania to "expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release Mwangi in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms".
Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to the cordial bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and expressed hope that the matter will be resolved amicably in the spirit of regional cooperation and mutual respect.
