Prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, who was abducted in Nairobi on Sunday, has been found and released just hours after the ordeal. Tsehai, known for her outspoken criticism of the Tanzanian government, shared an emotional video with her 1.3 million followers on X, saying, “I have been saved.”
According to Amnesty International Kenya spokesperson Roland Ebole, Tsehai was “forced” into a vehicle in broad daylight in the Kenyan capital. The incident sparked immediate concerns, given Tsehai’s history of advocacy for land rights and freedom of expression, as well as her vocal opposition to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya, played a pivotal role in arranging Tsehai’s release. Addressing the media, she issued a stern warning: “We will not allow our country to be used as a haven for picking up individuals.”
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Tsehai’s abduction highlights growing fears that Tanzania may be reverting to the repressive governance style associated with the late President John Magufuli. While President Samia initially promised political reforms, including lifting bans on opposition gatherings, recent incidents suggest otherwise.
Last year, dozens of opposition figures were arrested, and some were brutally killed. One high-profile opposition leader was even doused in acid. Human Rights Watch recently described the escalating arrests of activists as a “bad sign” ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 presidential elections.
Change Tanzania, a movement Tsehai founded, claimed in a statement that her abduction was orchestrated by Tanzanian security agents operating outside the country to stifle dissent. “Her courage in standing up for justice has made her a target,” the group said.
Tsehai’s abduction adds to Kenya’s troubling history of facilitating foreign governments in kidnapping activists. In a similar case last year, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was abducted in Nairobi by Ugandan security agents and forcibly extradited. While Uganda admitted to Kenya’s assistance, the Kenyan government denied involvement.
Domestically, Kenya has seen a surge in disappearances, particularly following youth-led protests against planned tax hikes. A state-funded rights group reports that over 80 people have been abducted in the past six months, with only a handful released.