The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has spoken out strongly against the recent detention and deportation of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire from Tanzania, labeling the incident a grave human rights violation.
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In a post on X, Passaris described the treatment of the two as unacceptable and a blemish on East Africa’s moral standing.
“Their unlawful detention, brutal mistreatment, and forced deportation are not only violations of their rights—they shame us as a region,” she stated.
Passaris said she was deeply troubled by the disturbing reports of physical and sexual abuse the activists endured.
“As a mother, legislator, and human rights advocate, I am horrified by the accounts of torture, sexual assault, and degradation inflicted on them,” she said. “These acts betray the values we claim to uphold as Africans.”
She appealed to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to take immediate action.
“President Suluhu has shattered many glass ceilings and inspired women across Africa,” Passaris noted.
“But progress cannot coexist with abuse of power and repression. I urge her, not just as a leader but as a mother and change-maker, to ensure such brutality never happens again and that justice is delivered.”
Passaris also expressed solidarity with the two activists: “We pray for healing, strength, and justice for Boniface and Agather. Their bravery must guide us toward a more just and compassionate Africa.”
Meanwhile, Boniface Mwangi has vowed to continue his activism despite the ordeal. Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on June 2, he said neither he nor fellow activists would be silenced by intimidation.
He criticised the Kenyan government for failing to support them, accusing it of siding with Tanzanian authorities. “My own government turned its back on us, claiming we were meddling in Tanzanian affairs, which was untrue,” Mwangi said.
He explained that his visit to Tanzania was in solidarity with detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu and that such visits are part of his broader advocacy across the continent.
“I’ve stood with other African activists before—in Tanzania, in Uganda with Bobi Wine, and elsewhere—because I believe in a united, just Africa,” he said.
Together with Agather Atuhaire, Mwangi reaffirmed their dedication to defending human rights across the region.
