Boniface Mwangi wheeled into airport as he heads to Nairobi for treatment

The activist looked visibly frail, barely able to walk, ahead of an emergency airlift to Nairobi

by JAMES GICHIGI

News22 May 2025 - 16:24

In Summary

In a video seen by the Star, the activist, appearing visibly frail and in a concerning state, was seen being assisted into a wheelchair by aides at Moi International Airport.
This was as they chanted, "Torture wee baki nyuma sisi tutaenda na haki."

Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi was wheeled into Moi International Airport on Thursday, looking visibly frail and barely able to walk, ahead of an emergency airlift to Nairobi for specialised treatment.

The dramatic scenes unfolded as supporters and fellow activists chanted, "Torture wee baki nyuma, sisi tutaenda na haki" (Torture, stay behind—we will go with justice), underscoring the emotional weight of the moment.

Mwangi's condition has stirred public outcry following claims that he was tortured while in the custody of Tanzanian authorities.

He had traveled to Dar es Salaam to attend a court hearing for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.

Mwangi was arrested alongside Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire and later deported by road to Kenya.

Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid shared disturbing images and videos of Mwangi on social media, showing him in distress, supported by aides and his wife, Hellen Njeri, in Ukunda.

“He has been severely tortured and can barely walk. His body is broken, but his spirit remains strong,” Khalid posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“We are making arrangements to transfer Boniface Mwangi to Nairobi for medical attention.”

According to Khalid, Mwangi was dumped at the Horohoro border post on Thursday morning by Tanzanian security agents, then handed over to Kenyan colleagues in Ukunda, Kwale County—about 92 kilometres from the border.

From there, he was rushed to a hospital in Diani for a preliminary medical review.

“We have a picture sent to us showing he is injured and frail. He is okay under medical review,” a family member confirmed.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has since confirmed Mwangi’s release, but details of his arrest and alleged abuse remain unclear.

The incident has drawn condemnation from human rights groups, with calls growing louder for the Tanzanian government to explain the activist's treatment while in custody.

As Mwangi is flown to Nairobi for further care, concern and solidarity continue to pour in from across the region, with many demanding accountability and justice