Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a notable critic of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was forcibly taken by armed men in Nairobi but announced her release just hours later. In an emotional video shared with her 1.3 million followers on X, she proclaimed, “I have been saved,” while visibly shaken by the ordeal. This incident has raised alarms about the increasing suppression of dissent in Tanzania, mirroring tactics from the previous regime of John Magufuli.
Tanzanian Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Rescued After Abduction
Tanzanian Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Rescued After Abduction
Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a prominent Tanzanian activist, has safely returned home after being kidnapped in Kenya, sparking international concerns over political repression.
Amnesty International's Roland Ebole verified Tsehai's abduction and her subsequent release, stating she was compelled into a vehicle on Sunday afternoon. The Law Society of Kenya’s president, Faith Odhiambo, indicated that efforts were made to secure her release and emphasized that Kenya should not be a refuge for unwarranted abductions. Neither Kenyan nor Tanzanian officials have issued statements addressing this incident.
Tsehai, known for her advocacy on land rights and freedom of expression, has criticized the Tanzanian government for allegedly reverting to oppressive practices. Recent events suggest a worrying trend, including mass arrests of opposition figures and violent crackdowns leading up to the 2025 presidential elections. The "Change Tanzania" movement, founded by Tsehai, condemned her takedown as actions executed by Tanzanian security forces beyond national borders aimed at silencing critical voices.
Concerns about Tsehai’s safety have heightened in light of prior incidents, including men allegedly searching for her near her home. Kenya has a troubling record of facilitating foreign abductions, particularly in the political realm, as evidenced by a recent case involving a Ugandan opposition leader. This environment of fear has been exacerbated in Kenya, where numerous individuals have reportedly gone missing after protests against governmental taxation measures.
As the international spotlight remains on this incident, calls grow louder for safeguarding human rights and preventing further suppression of dissent across East Africa.
Tsehai, known for her advocacy on land rights and freedom of expression, has criticized the Tanzanian government for allegedly reverting to oppressive practices. Recent events suggest a worrying trend, including mass arrests of opposition figures and violent crackdowns leading up to the 2025 presidential elections. The "Change Tanzania" movement, founded by Tsehai, condemned her takedown as actions executed by Tanzanian security forces beyond national borders aimed at silencing critical voices.
Concerns about Tsehai’s safety have heightened in light of prior incidents, including men allegedly searching for her near her home. Kenya has a troubling record of facilitating foreign abductions, particularly in the political realm, as evidenced by a recent case involving a Ugandan opposition leader. This environment of fear has been exacerbated in Kenya, where numerous individuals have reportedly gone missing after protests against governmental taxation measures.
As the international spotlight remains on this incident, calls grow louder for safeguarding human rights and preventing further suppression of dissent across East Africa.
