Hussein Khalid: Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi missing in Tanzania

Kenyan human rights defender Hussein Khalid has raised the alarm over the disappearance of Mwabili Mwagodi, a well-known activist who was last seen in Tanzania on Wednesday night, July 23, 2025.

Mwagodi, who has gained attention for campaigning against political donations to churches, is said to have gone missing while travelling to Dar es Salaam, where he works in the hospitality sector.

“A Kenyan has been abducted in Tanzania. Again. Family has confirmed that Mwabili Mwagodi, who is a Kenyan activist and was vocal against church donations, was abducted on Wednesday,” Khalid, the CEO of Vocal Africa, confirmed the disturbing news through a post on X, on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Khalid expressed concern that the disappearance may be part of a growing trend targeting Kenyan activists in Tanzania.

“It seems President Suluhu Samia and her government are working round the clock to target Kenyan activists. Free Mwabili Mwagodi now,” he added.

Activist missing after journey

His a family member revealed that he vanished at around 10 pm on Wednesday, having left his car behind and opted for public transport to Dar es Salaam. His phone was switched off during the journey, and all attempts to reach him have failed. His employer reportedly tried to file a missing person report, but local police advised them to wait 24 hours.

Mwagodi had recently launched the “Occupy Church Movement,” a campaign calling out churches that accept money from politicians. He had also been active on social media, mobilising Gen Zs against political and religious hypocrisy. His last post criticised top Kenyan officials and promoted the use of a new DCI crime reporting tool, raising further concern about whether his online activism contributed to his disappearance.

This case follows similar recent incidents where Kenyan activists were detained or stopped in Tanzania, including Boniface Mwangi and even prominent figures like former Justice Minister Martha Karua, who was deported after trying to attend a court session in Dar.

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