Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Senior counsel Martha Karua has launched a bold appeal to the African Union. She is demanding urgent action against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and her administration over the detention and alleged torture of activists Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Agathar Atuhaire.

Activist Boniface Mwangi was deported to Kenya by road and abandoned in Ukunda, while the location of his Ugandan counterpart remains unknown.

In a letter dated Thursday, May 22, Karua, also the convenor of the Pan African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network, called on the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene and ensure justice for Mwangi and Atuhaire.

"We, the Pan African Progressive Leaders' Solidarity Network and co-signing human rights organisations, write to bring to your urgent attention a grave situation unfolding in the East African Community that threatens the rule of law and human rights principles that are fundamental to our shared democratic values," the statement read.

"The detention of Mr. Mwangi and Ms. Atuhire was preceded by the deportation of six other International Trial Observers who included a former Chief Justice, former Minister of Justice and a member of the Law Society of Kenya Council who had arrived at Julius Nyerere International Airport on the same mission."

Karua said detaining the two East African citizens violated national and international human rights standards and called for swift action.

She presented the three organisations with 10 demands related to the issue.

Her initial demand was for the three organisations to send diplomatic notes to the Tanzanian government, seeking information on Atuhire’s whereabouts.

She also called on human rights monitoring bodies to obtain authorisation and initiate an inquiry into claims of unlawful detention and torture.

“Bring up this issue in bilateral talks with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, stressing the need for transparency and compliance with legal processes. Work together to issue a joint diplomatic statement expressing concern over the forced disappearances and deportation of East African citizens, urging a swift resolution.

The party leader urged the organisations to work with the East African Community Secretariat to convene an extraordinary meeting aimed at tackling the breach of regional human rights and rule of law standards.

Karua also called for the deployment of diplomatic observers to monitor any court hearings if the activists reemerge in the judicial system.

Additionally, she urged a review of bilateral aid programs with the relevant governments, taking into account conditions related to human rights compliance.

Karua further requested the provision of international legal experts to assist local human rights defenders handling these cases.

“Activate relevant international human rights mechanisms, such as UN Special Procedures and regional human rights organisations. Continue public diplomacy efforts that highlight the significance of human rights and good governance as fundamental principles in the region’s international relations.”

The senior counsel concluded by saying a response with an update should be provided within three days. She added that the organisation’s influence is vital in holding member states accountable for their commitments to human rights and the rule of law.

Speaking to reporters, Mwangi recounted a traumatic four-day detention in Tanzania, where he said he endured horrific treatment.

The outspoken activist appeared weak and visibly distressed, saying the ordeal, shared with Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, has left him struggling to continue his work.

Despite his condition, Mwangi voiced serious worry over Atuhaire, whose location is still unknown.

Source: TUKO.co.ke