Two respected East African human rights defenders, Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda, have filed a high-profile legal case at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). They are suing the governments of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) for what they call illegal arrest, torture, and forced deportation.
On May 18, 2025, the two activists traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania as part of a regional team of journalists, lawyers, and civil society representatives. Their goal? To attend and observe the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu — a case that has drawn international attention.
But upon arrival, things took a dark turn, shortly after landing, they were reportedly arrested by Tanzanian police.
They were held at Dar es Salaam Central Police Station, where they say they were denied access to lawyers, held incommunicado, and subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment.
Allegations of Abuse, in the petition filed under Reference No. 21 of 2025, both activists recount disturbing experiences:
Agather Atuhaire says she was forced to strip naked, squat while undressed, and surrender her undergarments during a humiliating search.
Boniface Mwangi alleges he was slapped, shoved, verbally abused, and sexually harassed. He was reportedly recorded under duress, forced to name his family members, and threatened with public exposure if he spoke out.
They say these actions not only violated their dignity but also broke international human rights standards and the East African Community Treaty, which guarantees freedom of movement and protection for citizens within member states.
The activists are asking the EACJ to declare the arrest, detention, and deportation unlawful.
Hold all four respondents accountable — including the Tanzanian, Kenyan, and Ugandan governments, as well as the EAC Secretary General.
Order an official apology and award financial compensation for the psychological and physical harm they suffered.
Compel the EAC to conduct a transparent, impartial investigation into the failure of member states and EAC officials to act.
The petition also cites hostile political remarks made around the time of their detention. They include:
A speech by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, where she warned about “ill-mannered foreigners” interfering in national matters.
Public statements by Kenyan President William Ruto, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, which the activists argue downplayed the abuse and emboldened Tanzanian authorities.
The activists say these political reactions contributed to a climate of hostility and fear, making their ordeal worse and weakening public outcry.
