By Adonis Byemelwa
In a chilling incident that accentuates the rising insecurity across East Africa, Tanzanian media editor and activist Maria Tsehai Sarungi (pictured) was released on Sunday evening 12th January 2025, after being abducted earlier in Nairobi’s Kilimani estate.
Tsehai, who has been living in Kenya under political asylum after fleeing her home country, was reportedly seized by three hooded men in a Toyota Noah while visiting a hair clinic.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya, mounted relentless pressure to secure her release, turning what could have been another forgotten case into a headline-grabbing rescue.
The abduction, which sparked global condemnation, echoes a worrying trend in Kenya and Tanzania, where enforced disappearances are becoming alarmingly common.
UN Resident Coordinator to Kenya, Stephen Jackson, described the incident as “deeply troubling,” drawing parallels to past abductions such as that of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who was snatched in Nairobi and later found in a Ugandan prison.
These brazen kidnappings highlight a growing pattern of fear and repression, particularly targeting outspoken critics of governments in the region.
Tsehai’s ordeal is not isolated. Kenya has witnessed an unsettling rise in such cases, with victims ranging from activists and journalists to everyday citizens.
Just weeks before, cartoonist Kibet Bull disappeared after releasing satirical art critical of President William Ruto. His abduction sent shockwaves through the creative and activist communities, sparking protests in Nairobi and beyond.
Youth-led demonstrations saw thousands chanting slogans like “Stop the Abductions” and “Protect Our Freedoms,” while signs calling for accountability flooded the streets.
Meanwhile, the troubling case of blogger Maverick Aoko, who resurfaced disoriented at the Kenya-Tanzania border after weeks of disappearance, revealed the severe psychological toll these abductions inflict.
The abduction of businessman Billy Mwangi in Embu, who vanished under mysterious circumstances, led to fiery protests as residents demanded action.
The discovery of abandoned vehicles, suspicious morgue cases, and traumatized survivors has painted a grim picture of a country grappling with a crisis of human rights.
Critics have pointed fingers at President Ruto’s administration, accusing it of weaponizing fear to silence dissent. Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila Odinga, and Martha Karua, have lambasted the government for failing to protect its citizens.
Kalonzo, in a fiery statement, declared, “Let us not pretend about this. Mr. William Ruto is the Chief Commander of the Abduction Squad.” The Kenya Human Rights Commission echoed these sentiments, accusing the regime of a “deliberate disregard for democracy and human rights.”
While Ruto’s government denies involvement, activists and critics argue that the lack of concrete results in investigations only deepens suspicion.
Amnesty International Kenya has called for transparency and accountability, urging the government to uphold constitutional freedoms.
“These abductions pose a direct threat to the freedoms guaranteed by Kenya’s constitution,” warned political analyst Professor Peter Wanyande.
The wave of abductions has not been confined to Kenya. Tanzania, too, faces a troubling pattern of disappearances.
High-profile cases like that of journalist Azory Gwanda, who vanished in 2017 while investigating extrajudicial killings, remain unresolved. More recently, political activist Ben Saanane disappeared under mysterious circumstances, sparking outrage.
Human rights advocates have raised concerns about a culture of impunity and fear that stifles dissent in the country.
Tsehai’s abduction is particularly significant given her history as a vocal critic of the Tanzanian government.
Her criticism of late President John Magufuli and current President Samia Suluhu has made her a target of censorship and enmity, forcing her into exile. Despite the dangers, she continues to expose corruption and human rights abuses, amplifying voices that many governments would rather silence.
The growing crisis has drawn international attention, with foreign missions in Kenya voicing alarm. The European Union and the United States have issued statements urging the Kenyan government to respect human rights and investigate the disappearances.
“The rule of law must prevail,” read a joint statement from European Ambassadors and High Commissioners, emphasizing the importance of judicial accountability.
Amid these alarming developments, the resilience of civil society remains a beacon of hope. Protests and advocacy efforts have shone a light on the plight of abductees, ensuring their stories are not buried in silence.
Nevertheless, the challenge remains immense. Governments in both Kenya and Tanzania must not only denounce these acts but also take concrete steps to address the systemic issues that allow them to persist.
The abductions are a stark reminder of the fragile state of democracy and human rights in East Africa. As protests grow louder and international pressure mounts, the region faces a defining moment. Will its leaders rise to defend the freedoms of their citizens, or will fear and repression continue to hold sway? The world is watching, and the stakes could not be higher.
