Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing. A Kenyan activist has told the BBC that he is "struggling to be alive" after allegedly being sexually tortured in detention in Tanzania last month. Boniface Mwangi said he had decided to speak despite the "shame and guilt of being sodomised with all manner of things". Mwangi said he was held in Tanzania after going to the country to show solidarity with detained opposition politician Tundu Lissu. At a press conference in Kenya's capital, Mwangi tearfully claimed that he was stripped naked, hung upside down, beaten on his feet and sexually assaulted while detained. The police chief in Tanzania's main city of Dar es Salaam disputed Mwangi's account and told the BBC they were "opinions" and "hearsay" coming from activists. "If they were here, I would engage them, I would ask them what are they saying, what do they mean... In law, those things are called hearsay or hearsay evidence," Jumanne Muliro told the BBC. He said Mwangi should make a report to the authorities for investigation. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government has been accused by rights groups of becoming increasingly repressive in the run-up to October's presidential and parliamentary elections. Regional rights groups have called for an investigation, and Amnesty International said Tanzanian authorities should hold to account those responsible for the "inhuman" treatment. Mwangi said he was held by Tanzanian authorities for several days along with Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who had earlier also spokenof being raped in detention. She attended the press conference in Nairobi on Monday, where Mwangi described his sexual assault in graphic detail. He said his torturers would sexually assault him and tell him to say "asante" (thank you in the Swahili language) to their president. Mwangi added that the officers told him they were filming everything and would leak the footage if he spoke about what he had gone through. Mwangi told the BBC Newsday programme that the torture had left him in mental anguish. "You have a lot of nightmares, you have a lot of thoughts, and you're alone in the dark, and you're thinking you're going to get killed. So that entire mental anguish lives with you," he said. Mwangi said he wanted his medical records be made public so that "what happened to me should never happen to anyone else". "I have wounds all over my body, I have wounds on my private parts, I have wounds on my feet, I have two broken toes, I have fractures… So I'm still struggling". Mwangi and Atuhaire were among several activists who travelled to Tanzania two weeks ago in solidarity with Lissu who was appearing in court on treason charges that he denies. He has been demanding sweeping changes, saying current laws do not allow for free and fair polls, which the government denies. Lissu was arrested on 9 April following his rallying call of "no reforms, no election". Mwangi told the BBC that their visit to Tanzania was to highlight Lissu's "sham case", adding that this "wasn't taken lightly" by the authorities. President Hassan warned at the time that she would not allow activists from neighbouring countries to "meddle" in Tanzania's affairs. The whereabouts of Mwangi and Atuhaire were unknown while they were being held, sparking widespread condemnation. Mwangi said his "abduction" was shocking in how brazen it was as he had been "picked from a very prominent hotel". "So having been abducted during broad daylight and never knowing where I was, and I was still tortured, means that the Tanzanian government doesn't care about what people think about it," he told the BBC. Earlier, Atuhaire said that despite Uganda being "very dictatorial", she did not imagine she "would find a worse foreign country, a worse government". Mwangi said their experience showed "how broken" countries in East Africa were. "So it makes me more of a pan-African in this fight," he told the BBC. The US Department of State's Bureau of Africa Affairs previously said it was deeply concerned by the reports of the two activists' mistreatment, noting that Atuhaire had been recognised by the department "in 2024 as an International Women of Courage Awardee". Other activists, including Kenya's former Justice Minister Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga were blocked from entering and were deported from the international airport in Dar es Salaam. Additional reporting by Munira Hussein in Dar es Salaam. Go toBBCAfrica.comfor more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter@BBCAfrica, on Facebook atBBC Africaor on Instagram atbbcafrica
'Struggling to be alive': Kenyan activist speaks of 'sexual torture' in Tanzania
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Kenyan Activist Alleges Sexual Torture During Detention in Tanzania"
Bbc News
6.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan activist, has publicly detailed his harrowing experience of alleged sexual torture while detained in Tanzania last month. He spoke out during a press conference in Nairobi, where he described being stripped naked, beaten, and assaulted in ways that left him traumatized. Mwangi was in Tanzania to show support for detained opposition politician Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. His account has drawn attention to the increasing repression by the Tanzanian government, especially in the lead-up to the October elections. Mwangi's claims include being threatened that footage of his torture would be leaked if he disclosed the abuse. He reported severe physical injuries, including broken toes and wounds on his body, and expressed the mental anguish he continues to endure as a result of the experience. His testimony is echoed by Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who also reported being raped during their detention.
The Tanzanian police chief has dismissed Mwangi's allegations as hearsay and called for a formal report to be made to investigate these claims. However, regional and international rights organizations, including Amnesty International, are demanding accountability for the reported abuses. Mwangi's ordeal reflects broader issues of political repression in East Africa, as activists face increasing risks when speaking out against their governments. As Mwangi and Atuhaire were held without knowledge of their whereabouts, their case has raised concerns about the safety of activists in the region. Mwangi emphasized his desire for his medical records to be made public to prevent similar incidents from happening to others. He believes their experiences highlight the dire state of human rights in East Africa and has made him more resolute in his fight for justice across the continent.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent report highlights the harrowing experiences of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, who claims to have suffered sexual torture while detained in Tanzania. This account, shared during a press conference, raises serious concerns regarding human rights violations and the treatment of political dissenters in the region. Mwangi's statements, coupled with the response from Tanzanian authorities, suggest a broader narrative about the increasing repression in Tanzania, especially as the country approaches its elections.
Purpose of the Article
The article aims to shed light on the alleged human rights abuses occurring in Tanzania, particularly in the context of political dissent and repression. By presenting Mwangi's personal testimony, the report seeks to invoke empathy and outrage among readers, while also calling for accountability from the Tanzanian government. This could be seen as an effort to pressure authorities to investigate and address such allegations, particularly in the lead-up to crucial elections.
Perception Shaping
The narrative appears to aim at shaping public perception regarding the Tanzanian government's approach to opposition and human rights. By detailing the traumatic experiences of Mwangi, the article seeks to create a sense of urgency and highlight the dangers faced by activists in the region. The contrasting views from Tanzanian officials serve to emphasize the divide between government perspectives and human rights advocacy, potentially igniting further dialogue and scrutiny.
Potential Concealment
While the article focuses on Mwangi's ordeal, there may be underlying political dynamics or issues that are not as prominently addressed. For instance, the political landscape in Tanzania, including the implications of the upcoming elections and the government's strategies for maintaining power, could be areas that are overshadowed by the focus on individual abuse narratives. The concentration on personal suffering might divert attention from systemic issues within the Tanzanian political framework.
Manipulation Assessment
The report could be seen as carrying a moderate degree of manipulative potential, primarily through its emotional appeal and the emphasis on graphic details of torture. While recounting Mwangi's experience serves to underscore the severity of the situation, it may also be construed as a tactic to provoke a strong emotional response, which could influence public opinion in a specific direction. The language used is evocative, aiming to resonate deeply with readers and potentially mobilize them towards advocacy.
Truthfulness of the Claims
The veracity of Mwangi's claims remains to be thoroughly investigated. The article presents his testimony as a first-hand account, which is powerful but inherently subjective. The rebuttal from Tanzanian officials introduces doubts about the reliability of the allegations, suggesting that further independent investigation is necessary to ascertain the truth behind these claims.
Public Sentiment and Impact
The report is likely to resonate with human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and those concerned with political freedoms. It appeals to communities that prioritize justice, accountability, and human dignity, while potentially alienating those who support the Tanzanian government or who may dismiss the claims as politically motivated.
Economic and Political Ramifications
The publication of such allegations may have broader implications for Tanzania's political landscape and its international relations. If the claims gain traction, they could lead to increased pressure from international bodies and human rights organizations, potentially impacting foreign investment and diplomatic relations. The focus on human rights might deter investors wary of political instability or human rights abuses.
Global Power Dynamics
In a wider context, the article touches on global discussions surrounding human rights and governance. As issues of political repression and human rights violations gain international attention, countries like Tanzania may find themselves scrutinized on the global stage, influencing their diplomatic and economic engagements.
Artificial Intelligence Usage
It's plausible that AI tools were employed in crafting this article, particularly in analyzing large volumes of data related to human rights violations or in generating summaries of complex issues. The presentation of information could reflect AI's role in shaping narratives, particularly in how it frames emotional appeals and contextualizes events.
In conclusion, this report serves as a crucial commentary on the current state of human rights in Tanzania and the risks faced by activists. The emotional narrative and the call for accountability highlight the serious implications of the allegations made by Mwangi. However, the truthfulness and broader context of these claims necessitate careful scrutiny to understand the full picture of political repression in the region.