Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has expressed serious concerns over Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to appoint her son-in-law as the country’s Minister of Health.
Mwangi warned that the move could undermine transparency regarding the deaths and injuries reported following Tanzania’s contested October 2025 elections.
In a statement shared on social media, Mwangi highlighted what he described as the “scale and severity” of state responses to post-election demonstrations.
He claimed that security forces employed live ammunition against civilians in multiple regions, leading to a significant number of casualties.
While the Tanzanian government has not released comprehensive figures, Mwangi said the lack of official reporting raises concerns about accountability.
The activist also alleged that some operations involved foreign participants he referred to as “alleged Ugandan mercenaries,” a claim yet to be independently confirmed.
He noted that wounded protesters were reportedly removed from medical facilities without explanation, and bodies were allegedly taken from morgues in ways that complicated verification.
Mwangi cited reports of victims including teenagers, athletes, and even a one-year-old child.
According to Mwangi, over 5,000 individuals remain in detention, with some reportedly subjected to torture.
He argued that the Health Ministry should play a key role in documenting and releasing accurate data on casualties, and suggested that placing a close relative of the president in charge could impede transparency.
Kenya has its own history of post-election unrest, most notably in 2007–2008, when disputed results triggered widespread violence and highlighted gaps in government accountability.
Mwangi’s statement draws attention to the potential for similar oversight issues in Tanzania, underlining the importance of independent monitoring and transparent reporting.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly emphasized the need for clear and verifiable records of any election-related violence to prevent abuses from being concealed.
In Tanzania, this debate has intensified as international groups and local journalists attempt to verify reports amid restricted access to affected areas.
Mwangi’s critique reveals the challenges of maintaining transparency in governance when personal and political relationships intersect.