Rights groups have called for urgent action to locate Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya.
Amnesty International Kenya and the Defenders Coalition urge authorities to trace the Tanzanian activist amid fears of a forced return across the border.
Human rights organisations have urged Kenyan authorities to trace Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya following his reported abduction in Kamulu, Machakos County. They also called for his protection amid fears of a forced return to Tanzania.
Amnesty International Kenya and the Defenders Coalition said unidentified individuals reportedly seized him around 2pm on Sunday. He was travelling by taxi to visit friends at the time.
The organisations said those allegedly involved used three vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser hardtop. However, their identities and the activist’s location remained unknown as of Sunday evening.
Rights groups appeal for information on Twaha Mwaipaya
Amnesty International Kenya urged authorities to urgently establish the activist’s whereabouts and ensure his safety. The Defenders Coalition similarly demanded swift action to locate and protect him.
Both organisations also appealed to anyone with information about his location to come forward immediately. The circumstances surrounding the reported abduction remained unclear.
Sarungi raises fears of forced return
Meanwhile, Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi warned that Mwaipaya could face serious danger if taken across the border. In a statement, she alleged that he had fled to Kenya after Tanzanian police abducted and severely tortured him.
Sarungi further claimed that returning him to Tanzania could put his life at risk. She called for heightened vigilance at the border and used the hashtag #FreeTwahaMwaipaya to press for action.
However, her account of his earlier alleged mistreatment and claims about the latest incident lacked independent verification. His whereabouts also remained unclear, with no established account of what happened after the reported seizure.
Earlier abduction of Tanzanian critic
Sarungi, a vocal critic of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has herself experienced an abduction in Kenya. Armed men reportedly abducted her in Nairobi’s Kilimani area on January 12, 2025, before releasing her later that day.
She subsequently said she believed the Tanzanian government was responsible. Her latest appeal highlights concerns about the safety of Tanzanian government critics and human rights defenders in Kenya.
