Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on Boniface Mwangi Detention in Tanzania

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania and has the honour to express its deep concern regarding the apprehension of Mr. Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan citizen, Passport No. BK 472892, being held by United Republic of Tanzania authorities.

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 wellbeing and the absence of information regarding his detention.

The Ministry wishes to respectfully recall the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), to which both the Republic of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania are State Parties. In particular, Article 36 (a) & (c) provides inter alia that:

(a) Consular officers shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them. Nationals of the sending State shall have the same freedom with respect to communication with and access to consular officers of the sending State;

(c) Consular officers shall have the right to visit a national of the sending State who is in prison, custody or detention, to converse and correspond with him and to arrange for his legal representation. They shall also have the right to visit any national of the sending State who is in prison, custody or detention in their district in pursuance of a judgement.

In light of the above, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs respectfully urges 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 Government of Kenya reaffirms its commitment to the cordial bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and expresses the hope that this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably, in the spirit of regional cooperation and mutual respect.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania the assurances of its highest consideration.

Nairobi, 21st May 2025

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania
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FOREIGN OF MINISTRY AFFAIRS Lk OF KENNA THE REPUBLIC OF