Tanzanian Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Released After Nairobi Abduction
Prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai has been released just hours after being abducted by armed men in Nairobi, Kenya. Maria, an outspoken advocate for land rights and freedom of expression, shared her relief in a video on X, telling her 1.3 million followers, “I have been saved.”
Amnesty International Kenya confirmed her abduction, stating she was forcibly taken into a vehicle on Sunday afternoon. Intervention by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) facilitated her release, with LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemning such actions and vowing that Kenya would not tolerate being used for cross-border abduction operations.
Maria has been a vocal critic of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, accusing her administration of suppressing opposition activists and rolling back democratic freedoms. In recent years, reports of arrests, killings, and intimidation have raised concerns about political repression ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 elections.
Change Tanzania, a movement founded by Maria, claimed Tanzanian agents orchestrated her abduction to silence her dissent. Kenyan and Tanzanian officials have yet to comment on the incident.
This case highlights a troubling trend of cross-border abductions in Kenya. Previous cases include the kidnapping of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who was extradited under questionable circumstances. Domestically, over 80 people have reportedly disappeared following anti-tax protests.
Human rights groups and officials, including Kenya’s Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, have called for urgent accountability and action to address the growing issue of enforced disappearances.