Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a well-known Tanzanian activist, was abducted in Nairobi by armed men but was released shortly afterward. The event took place on a Sunday afternoon when Tsehai was forcibly taken into a vehicle, as reported by Roland Ebole of Amnesty International Kenya.
Tsehai, who has a significant following of 1.3 million on X, posted a video shortly after her release, appearing shaken yet relieved, stating, “I have been saved.” Her outspoken criticism against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made her a prominent figure in the call for land rights and free speech in Tanzania. The Law Society of Kenya, led by President Faith Odhiambo, played a crucial role in securing Tsehai’s release. Odhiambo took to X to share the news and warned during a subsequent press conference that Kenya would not stand for being used as a base for such operations against activists.
There has been silence from both Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities regarding the abduction, leaving the specifics of the operation shrouded in mystery. Tsehai’s ordeal is seen against the backdrop of a political environment in Tanzania that many fear is reverting to the repressive days under former President John Magufuli. Despite some reforms by President Samia, including lifting restrictions on opposition rallies, the political atmosphere remains tense. The violent crackdown on opposition members, including a chilling attack where an opposition leader was dosed with acid, underscores this concern. Human Rights Watch has flagged this as a troubling sign with the upcoming 2025 presidential elections in Tanzania.
The movement Change Tanzania, spearheaded by Tsehai, pointed fingers at Tanzanian security forces for orchestrating the abduction to curb criticism abroad. This incident echoes past cases where activists or political figures were abducted with alleged foreign governmental involvement on Kenyan soil, like the case of Ugandan politician Kizza Besigye. Such actions raise serious questions about sovereignty, international law, and the safety of political activists in the region.
Kenya itself has been dealing with an increase in abductions, particularly following youth protests against proposed tax hikes. Over 80 individuals have reportedly been abducted in the last half year, with some released following public pressure. These events highlight a broader pattern of political repression and human rights concerns within Kenya.
The abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai has sparked a renewed demand for accountability from governments in the region, urging them to protect rather than persecute activists and uphold democratic values. The incident serves as a call to action for better protection of human rights and political freedoms across East Africa.
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