US Senator Jim Risch has warned over rising cases of abductions and torture in Kenya, Tanzania, and East Africa, saying such cases are exposing the state of decay and impunity.
Senator Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted that these incidents are a direct threat to regional stability, security, and the interests of the East African countries with the US.
”Rising abductions and torture in East Africa signal more than abuse; they are a direct threat to regional stability, security, and US interests,” Tweeted Mr. Risch.
The Idaho senator was responding to a statement by the US Bureau of African Affairs, which condemned the recent abduction and mistreatment of Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and her Kenyan counterpart, Boniface Mwangi.
The two activists had travelled to Tanzania as observers of a case against Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing charges before the court. The activists were forcefully taken from a hotel where they were staying before they disappeared before resurfacing days later, in different locations.
According to the US Bureau of African Affairs, both activists were unlawfully detained.
‘’The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of two East African activists – Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi. Atuhaire was recognized by the U.S. Department of State in 2024 as an International Women of Courage Awardee. We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses. We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture”, Tweeted the Bureau
After days of silence and active search, Mwangi was found in Ukunda, Kwale County, on May 22, 2025, after being deported. He reported severe torture during his detention
“I have gone through four very dark days, I have been tortured very badly, I can barely walk,” he told reporters then.
Agather was found on the border between Tanzania and Uganda. The duo claimed they were tortured while in detention in Tanzania.
