Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has been released from detention by Tanzanian authorities, as confirmed by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. His release concludes several days of silence and escalating diplomatic tension between Kenya and Tanzania, following his detention since Monday under unclear circumstances.

Mudavadi announced Mwangi’s release on Thursday, May 22, through a brief statement, noting that diplomatic efforts had been ongoing behind the scenes to secure his release. Mudavadi stated, "We've been engaging through diplomatic channels. We have engaged with the Tanzanian authorities, including very early today, and the information I have is that he has been released."

Human rights defender Khalid Hussein confirmed Mwangi’s return, mentioning he was found at the border and appeared weak and injured. "He is released and is here with us. The man was dumped at the border, and by the time he made it to Mombasa, it was around 8 am," Hussein stated, adding that Mwangi was taken to a hospital in Diani for medical attention due to reported torture by Tanzanian police. Plans are underway to airlift him to Nairobi.

Mwangi was found on the Kenya-Tanzania border on Thursday, having been driven there from Dar es Salaam, where he was arrested on Sunday, May 18. He was meant to join others in Dar es Salaam for the arraignment of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. However, police surrounded his hotel, leading to his arrest and subsequent detention.

His disappearance prompted outrage among Kenyans and activists, who used social media to demand his release. The intervention of Kenya's Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Ministry was crucial in securing his freedom. Upon being found in Ukunda, his associates reported that he was in poor health, allegedly tortured and unable to walk. Videos have since emerged showing his condition.

Despite the release announcement, Mwangi’s family has not yet issued a public statement. On Thursday, police were deployed around Reinsurance Plaza, where the Tanzania High Commission is located, to prevent potential demonstrations.