Activist Boniface Mwangi Claims Threat to Life After Armed Confrontation in Tanzania
Activist Boniface Mwangi claims his life is in danger after armed, unidentified men confronted him at his hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This incident followed the arrest and deportation of several Kenyan political figures, raising concerns about a crackdown on dissent in the region. Political leaders have warned of potential democratic backsliding in East Africa as these events unfold.
Boniface Mwangi, a prominent activist, has raised concerns about his safety after an unsettling encounter at his hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. On May 19, hours after the deportation of political figures, armed men in civilian clothes confronted him at the Serena Hotel. He alleged that these individuals claimed to be police officers, yet failed to show any identification.
Mwangi took to social media around 1 am, stating, “My life is in danger. I’m at Serena Hotel, Dar es Salaam, and there are armed men in civilian clothes outside my room.” He further indicated that he would not open the door, fearing for his safety. The activist even shared a video in which he hesitates to comply with requests from the men outside his room.
One of the men insisted, “Shuka hapa uone tunakuita reception, kila mtu anaona, camera zinaona,” which translates to “Come down and see, we are calling you to reception, everyone can see, the cameras are seeing.” However, when Mwangi questioned his safety there, the man replied he would be “more than safe.”
Despite attempts at reassurance, including a plea from a hotel worker named Mr. Robinson, Mwangi remained adamant about not opening the door. When the situation escalated, the men became more forceful in their demands. Mwangi challenged them to break in, asserting his fears were based on numerous reports of abductions and executions under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
Around 2 am, Mwangi updated his followers, stating the armed men had retreated but were reportedly in the hotel lobby. He noted, “My bags are packed, and I’m ready to go with those people when the Tanzanian lawyers arrive. For now, I will stay put. Thank you for the solidarity.”
This incident occurred shortly after Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, was arrested and deported along with other prominent Kenyan activists upon their arrival in Tanzania. Karua noted in a post that they were detained at the airport and, after several hours, sent back to Kenya.
The deportations of Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and other activists have raised alarms about a potential suppression of dissent against Tanzanian authorities. Although it is unclear if Mwangi was part of Karua’s group, his experience has garnered significant attention on social media and from political leaders.
Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper party leader, commented on the situation, warning that such actions from Tanzania could indicate a troubling degradation of democratic principles in East Africa. Thus far, officials in Tanzania have not released an official statement regarding the incident involving Mwangi or the deportation of the activists.
Boniface Mwangi’s alarming encounter with armed men in Tanzania raises serious safety concerns for activists in the region. As reported, the situation comes on the heels of a wave of deportations of Kenyan political figures, suggesting a clampdown on dissent. Political reactions highlight fears of a deteriorating democratic landscape in East Africa. While Mwangi remained safe for the moment, the actions taken against him and his colleagues could have broader implications for activist movements across the East African Community.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
