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

The United States has broken its long silence on detention and the alleged torture of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire in Tanzania.

In a statement shared on Saturday, May 24, the US, through its Bureau of African Affairs, expressed deep concern over reports of the mistreatment of Mwangi and Agather.

The US further called for an immediate investigation into the alleged human rights violations.

“We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses,” the statement said. We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture," the bureau said.

Mwangi and Agather were held in Tanzania, where they had gone to witness a prominent court case involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

Shortly after arriving in Tanzania on Monday, May 19, Mwangi was detained in isolation, without access to legal counsel, court proceedings, or consular assistance, despite earlier fears for his safety.

Following days of public outcry, he was deported by road to Kenya and left in Ukunda. Appearing weak, Mwangi’s family took him to Nairobi for a medical evaluation.

The activist later described his detention as a dark period, saying he and Agather, who were held together before being separated, endured terrible treatment.

The US remarks come days after senior counsel Martha Karua made a strong and urgent appeal to the African Union, calling for immediate action against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and her administration regarding the detention of activists Mwangi and Agather.

In a letter dated May 22, Karua, who also serves as the convenor of the Pan African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network, appealed to other key regional bodies, including the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to step in and ensure justice is served for Mwangi and Agather.

She outlined several demands aimed at securing their rights and accountability.

Among her primary requests was for the three organisations to formally send diplomatic notes to the Tanzanian government seeking clear information about Agather's location.

She also called on human rights monitoring groups to obtain the necessary authorisation to launch an investigation into allegations of unlawful detention and torture faced by the activists.

Karua further urged the organisations to collaborate closely with the EAC Secretariat to convene an extraordinary meeting focused on addressing the violations.

In addition, she stressed the importance of deploying diplomatic observers to monitor any court hearings, should the activists reappear within the judicial system, to ensure transparency and fairness.

Her further appeal highlighted growing concerns over human rights and governance issues in the region and calls on regional bodies to act decisively to uphold justice and protect activists.

Source: TUKO.co.ke