'Struggling to be alive': Kenyan activist speaks of 'sexual torture' in Tanzania

Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing.

A Kenyan activist, Boniface Mwangi, spoke to the BBC about his ordeal. He said he is "struggling to be alive" after being sexually tortured in Tanzania last month.

Mwangi decided to share his story despite feeling shame and guilt. He was detained while showing support for opposition politician Tundu Lissu.

At a press conference in Nairobi, Mwangi described his experience. He claimed he was stripped naked, hung upside down, beaten on his feet, and sexually assaulted.

The police chief in Dar es Salaam disputed Mwangi's claims. Jumanne Muliro called them "opinions" and "hearsay" from activists.

He urged Mwangi to report the incident for investigation. Rights groups have accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government of increasing repression ahead of elections.

Regional rights organizations are calling for an investigation into Mwangi's claims. Amnesty International demanded accountability for the "inhuman" treatment he suffered.

Mwangi said he was held with Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who also reported being raped in detention. Atuhaire attended the press conference where Mwangi shared graphic details of his assault.

He stated that his torturers forced him to say "asante," meaning thank you in Swahili. They threatened to leak footage of the abuse if he spoke out.

Mwangi told BBC Newsday that the torture caused him mental anguish. He experiences nightmares and fears for his life daily.

He wants his medical records made public so others do not suffer like him. He described having wounds all over his body, including broken toes and fractures.

Mwangi and Atuhaire traveled to Tanzania two weeks ago to support Lissu during court proceedings on treason charges he denies. Lissu has called for reforms for free and fair elections, which the government rejects.

Lissu was arrested on April 9 after urging "no reforms, no election." Mwangi said their visit aimed to highlight Lissu's case, which angered authorities.

President Hassan warned against foreign activists meddling in Tanzania’s affairs at that time. The whereabouts of Mwangi and Atuhaire were unknown during their detention, leading to widespread condemnation.

Mwangi described his abduction as shocking due to its brazen nature. He was taken from a prominent hotel during daylight hours without knowing where he was going.

Atuhaire remarked that despite Uganda's dictatorship, she did not expect worse conditions abroad.

Mwangi believes their experience shows how broken East African countries are. This has made him more committed as a pan-African activist in this fight.

The US Department of State expressed deep concern over reports of mistreatment involving both activists. Atuhaire received recognition as an International Women of Courage Awardee in 2024 from the department.

Other activists faced deportation when they tried to enter Tanzania’s international airport recently.