Tanzanian Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Allegedly Abducted in Nairobi
Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a prominent Tanzanian media personality and human rights advocate, has reportedly been kidnapped in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to Amnesty Kenya, Tsehai was taken by three armed men from Chaka Place, Kilimani, on Sunday around 3:15 pm.
“Ms. Maria S Tsehai, Tanzanian independent media editor and human rights defender, was kidnapped by three armed men in a black Noah from Chaka Place, Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya at 3:15 pm today. Teams are on site. Spread the word and help keep Maria safe,” the statement read.
Tsehai, known for her expertise in media and communications, is a vocal critic of President Samia Suluhu. She frequently writes about government corruption in Tanzania and shares her views with her 1.5 million followers on X (formerly Twitter).
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Just hours before her alleged abduction, Tsehai criticized the Tanzanian government for prioritizing a VIP jet purchase over urgent public needs. She revealed that two planes were being procured: a luxury jet for government officials and a used passenger plane for Air Tanzania. Expressing her frustration, she wrote:
“Our Parliament is useless. How could you pass this budget? Mothers are dying during childbirth, yet billions are approved for VIP planes.”
Details surrounding her arrival in Kenya and the purpose of her visit remain unclear.
This incident is the latest in a worrying trend of high-profile kidnappings in Nairobi. It follows the abduction of Uganda’s opposition leader Kizza Besigye from Riverside Drive in November 2024, who was later deported to Uganda to face charges in a military court.
Kenya is also grappling with a rise in abductions targeting youth critical of the government on social media, sparking concerns about safety and freedom of expression.
Tanzanian Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Allegedly Abducted in Nairobi
