By Emily Sims
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch has issued a stark warning regarding a concerning rise in abductions and torture cases in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, citing it as a sign of “deep state decay” and a significant threat to regional stability and U.S. interests. The statement, released on Thursday, May 29th, follows days of growing international criticism directed at Tanzania after the detention, alleged torture, and subsequent deportation of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire.
“Rising abductions and torture in East Africa signal more than abuse – they expose state decay and impunity. That’s a direct threat to regional stability, security, and U.S. interests,” Senator Risch stated.
The Senator’s comments come amid a backdrop of mounting evidence pointing to a worrying trend of political repression and human rights abuses in the region. Recent incidents in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda have sparked outrage and ignited concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.
Tanzania has faced intense scrutiny following the detention of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire, who were in the country to observe the treason hearing of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Allegations have surfaced that both activists were subjected to torture while in detention before being deported back to their home countries. Mwangi described their experience as a “dark and traumatic” ordeal marked by severe mistreatment.
Kenya, too, has witnessed a surge in reported abductions and torture, particularly in the wake of the anti-government protests earlier this year. Prominent activist Bob Njagi alleged he was abducted by state security forces and endured torture during a harrowing 32-day disappearance. Similar cases have been reported concerning other Kenyan citizens, including Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti, Kibet Bull, and Billy Mwangi, all of whom were reportedly abducted and later reunited with their families.
Uganda has also been implicated, with opposition leader Kizza Besigye reportedly forcibly taken into custody while in Nairobi and transported back to Uganda in November 2024. Besigye now faces treason charges in Uganda.
Senator Risch emphasized that these incidents are not isolated cases of abuse but rather points to a systemic problem of “widespread state failure and a culture of impunity” taking root in the governments of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. He warned that this not only undermines the stability of these nations but also jeopardizes the broader security and strategic interests of the United States in East Africa.
The Senator’s strong condemnation underscores the growing international concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in East Africa and raises questions about the future of democratic governance and stability in the region. The U.S. government is expected to face increasing pressure to take concrete action to address these concerns and hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable.
