Mulembe Times
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Nairobi, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has launched a blistering attack on President William Ruto’s administration, calling for immediate diplomatic retaliation against Tanzania following the alleged torture of prominent activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire.
Taking to social media, the vocal senator demanded the Kenyan government adopt a tougher stance, accusing President Ruto of “weak leadership” after he issued a conciliatory apology to Tanzania and Uganda during last week’s National Prayer Breakfast.
“Our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us,” Ruto said at the event on May 28. “Our friends from Uganda, if there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologize.”
But Sifuna was having none of it.
“Withdraw that fake apology,” he wrote online. “The only apology should be demanded from the Tanzanian authorities who violated the rights of our people. The government must take action — not kneel in supplication.”
“Tanzania Must Be Held Accountable”
The uproar follows recent revelations that Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire were subjected to illegal abduction, detention, and torture in Tanzania. The duo had been part of a cross-border activism campaign to expose human rights abuses and corruption in the region.
Amnesty International and other human rights organizations say they were forcibly taken into custody in Tanzania under unclear circumstances and subjected to inhumane treatment.
In response, Sifuna is now urging the Kenyan government to adopt a bold, retaliatory foreign policy approach.
Among his proposals:
- Ban Tanzanian ruling party (CCM) leaders from entering Kenya.
- Relocate the East Africa Law Society (EALS) conference from Zanzibar to a more “democratic” country.
- Withdraw from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosting plan, which Kenya is set to co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
“These steps would send a clear message that Kenya does not condone the torture of its citizens or allies,” said Sifuna.
Public Reaction Divided
Sifuna’s statement has sparked heated debate online. Some Kenyans praised his boldness and nationalistic stance, while others accused him of politicizing a sensitive diplomatic issue.
“He’s right. Kenya should not play nice with regimes that abduct and torture,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “Ruto’s apology was embarrassing.”
But others warned that retaliatory moves could escalate tensions within the East African Community (EAC).
“Let’s not jeopardize regional cooperation over individual cases. We need to use diplomatic channels,” argued another.
Amnesty: Governments Must Come Clean
Amnesty International has backed Sifuna’s demands for accountability, with its Executive Director Houghton Irungu calling on both Kenya and Uganda to explain what steps they took to protect Mwangi and Atuhaire.
“We are not prejudicially arguing that they did anything wrong,” Irungu told reporters. “But they must tell their respective National Assemblies what they did to safeguard these individuals — and what they intend to do about the violations.”
Irungu also proposed introducing a private member’s bill in both the Kenyan and Ugandan parliaments to compel the Ministries of Foreign Affairs to disclose their diplomatic actions and intentions going forward.
A Diplomatic Dilemma for Ruto
President Ruto now finds himself in a tight spot. On one hand, he must preserve Kenya’s delicate relations with Tanzania — a key partner in trade, security, and the upcoming AFCON 2027. On the other, growing domestic pressure demands a firmer stance on human rights and sovereignty.
Ruto’s critics accuse him of being too eager to please regional counterparts, while his supporters argue he is pursuing long-term regional stability through humility and diplomacy.
As calls for accountability grow louder, Kenya’s next diplomatic steps will be closely watched. Will the president heed Sifuna’s demands and take a stand — or will he stick to his reconciliatory tone?
For now, the ball is in State House’s court.
