The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs has claimed that Kenyan government officials have been denied access to activist Boniface Mwangi.
In a letter addressed to Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, May 22, the ministry expressed concern over Mwangi's health and well-being.
"The ministry notes that, despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr. Mwangi.
"The ministry is also concerned about his health, overall well-being and the absence of information regarding please detention," the letter read.
As such, the Kenyan government has urged Tanzanian authorities to facilitate consular access to the activist or his release.
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"The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs respectfully adjust the government of the United Republic of Tanzania to expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Mr. Mwangi in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms," the letter further read.
At the same time, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei assured the public that diplomatic efforts are underway to secure his release.
“The Ministry’s obligation to a national who has been apprehended by a foreign country is limited and focused in the first instance on provision of consular assistance.
"Beyond that, we are engaging diplomatically to secure Mwangi’s release unless Tanzania has reason for holding him longer in custody. We are confident our efforts will prevail," he said.
This comes after former Chief Justice David Maraga called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mwangi.
In a statement, he also criticized both the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments for their handling of the matter.
Maraga expressed concern over the conditions surrounding Mwangi’s detention, citing violations of international human rights standards.
"I am deeply concerned by the continued detention of Boniface Mwangi by authorities in the United Republic of Tanzania without access to the courts, legal counsel or consular representation, in clear violation of international human rights law.
"I condemn the failure by the Kenyan government to show any urgency in ensuring that Boniface Mwangi is freed immediately and unconditionally," he said.
Maraga also called on the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to clarify the situation and explain what steps are being taken to secure Mwangi’s release.
"I urge the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to urgently provide the public with clear information about Boniface Mwangi’s specific circumstances; the reason the Tanzanian government continues to detain him; and what effort it is making to ensure that Tanzania complies with international human rights law," he added.
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