Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, along with renowned Kenyan activists Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, were detained on Sunday, May 18, at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and later deported to Kenya under unclear circumstances.
The trio had traveled to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was scheduled to appear in court. However, upon landing, they were held by Tanzanian authorities without explanation, prompting sharp criticism from regional human rights groups and political observers.
Detained Without Explanation
Human rights lawyer Hussein Khalid took to social media to announce the detention, stating:
“We, @WMutunga, @Honeyfarsafi and I, have been detained at Julius Nyerere Airport, Dar es Salaam, as we came in for the observance of @TunduALissu’s case. The trip was in solidarity with Tanzanian lawyers and human rights defenders. No reasons have been given for the detention.”
Journalist and activist Hanifa Adan echoed the same sentiments in a post at 3 a.m., saying:
“We’ve been detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport and we’re not being told why. It’s cold, it’s late, and this is utterly petty. I’m here with Willy Mutunga and Hussein Khalid.”
Hours later, both Hanifa and Khalid confirmed that the group was being deported back to Kenya, as they remained confined at the airport awaiting removal.
Martha Karua Also Blocked from Entering Tanzania
The detention came just hours after People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua revealed that she too had been denied entry into Tanzania and deported. Karua’s visit, like the others, was reportedly linked to support for Tundu Lissu’s legal battle—a case drawing international attention for its political implications.
Boniface Mwangi Surrounded by Armed Men in Dar es Salaam
Meanwhile, prominent activist Boniface Mwangi, also in Tanzania, found himself under siege. In a dramatic turn of events, he posted that armed men in civilian clothes—claiming to be police—were stationed outside his room at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
“My life is in danger. They’ve refused to identify themselves. They’ll have to break down the door to get to me,” Mwangi wrote in a tense social media update.
Later, Mwangi reported that the armed men had retreated to the hotel lobby but remained within the premises.
“My bags are packed, and I’m ready to go with them—once the Tanzanian lawyers who are following up on this matter arrive. For now, I’ll stay put.”
