Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire have filed a human rights case against the Government of Tanzania at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).

The human rights activists have accused Tanzanian authorities of abduction, torture, and unlawful deportation.

The case, filed jointly with seven civil society organisations and legal bodies from across the region, seeks justice for what the applicants describe as “shocking violations” that occurred during a May 2025 trip to Tanzania.

Mwangi and Atuhaire had travelled to Dar es Salaam to observe the treason trial of opposition politician Tundu Lissu.

But between May 19 and 23, they were abducted from their hotel by unidentified individuals, detained without charge, and later subjected to abuse.

According to court filings, the two were first taken to the Immigration Department and then to the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam.

They were never informed under what law they were being held and hours later, they were allegedly driven to an unknown location, tortured and then dumped across the border.

The applicants say the ordeal violated not only their dignity but also multiple regional and international legal frameworks, including the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

"What happened to us was evil, and was meant to silence us but we refused to be silenced. We are going to court not only to fight for justice but show the whole world what happened to us in the dark. We hope this case will give more victims of the state the courage to speak up, and seek justice. We can't allow evil to prosper," Mwangi wrote in a statement.

Joining Mwangi and Atuhaire in the lawsuit are organisations including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the East Africa Law Society, the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), and the International Commission of Jurists – Kenya Section, among others.

The respondents in the case include the Attorney General of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, along with the Secretary General of the East African Community.

The petitioners argue that not only did Tanzanian authorities commit grave violations, but the governments of Kenya and Uganda also failed in their duty to protect their citizens.

They further accuse the EAC Secretary General of inaction despite widespread knowledge of the disappearance and mistreatment of the activists.

The case seeks several remedies: public apologies from the three governments, approximately KSh 130 million in compensation for each victim, full rehabilitation and psychosocial support, and institutional reforms to prevent future abuses.

The applicants also want the EAC to formally condemn the incident and convene a regional summit to examine governance and human rights protection in East Africa.

"This case is not just about two individuals. It is about defending the soul of East Africa - the principles of human dignity, regional integration, and the rule of law. These violations cannot be ignored. We are demanding accountability and justice at the highest regional level," said Donald Deya, CEO of PALU.

Following Mwangi's torture allegations, Dar es Salaam police commander Jumanne Muliro dismissed the claims of kidnapping, torture, and abuse in Tanzania as mere “opinions” and “perspectives,” saying no official complaint had been filed.

Human rights groups have called for an independent investigation, citing international law.

Muliro urged the activists to follow proper channels, as the controversy continues to strain regional relations.

Source: TUKO.co.ke