Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a prominent Tanzanian human rights defender and media editor critical of President Samia Suluhu’s administration, has been freed after being abducted in Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya.
The abduction took place around 3:15 pm on Sunday, January 12, 2024, from Chaka Place in the upscale Kilimani area by three armed men driving a black Noah.
The incident occurred as Tsehai was leaving Yaya Centre, moments before she could board a cab.
Several prominent Kenyans and rights groups quickly raised the alarm following Tsehai’s abduction in Kilimani.
“Ms @MariaSTsehai Tanzanian independent media editor and human rights defender kidnapped by three armed men in a black Noah from Chaka Place, Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya at 3.15pm today. Teams on site.
Spread the word, let’s keep Maria safe,” Amnesty Kenya announced on Sunday on X.
Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu called on the Kenyan government to ensure Tsehai’s safety following her abduction in Nairobi.
“Maria Sarungi-Tsehai, one of Tanzania’s foremost and fearless critics of the Samia regime and a dearest friend has been snatched by three unidentified gunmen in the vicinity of Yaya Centre in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
“A strident opponent of the Magufuli dictatorship, Maria had fled to exile in Kenya since just before the fraudulent 2020 general elections and had been running Chanzo TV, a pro-democracy online platform.
“While we hope and pray for Maria’s life and safety, we must call upon the Kenyan government and all people of goodwill from around the world to intervene in whatever capacity they can to help secure Maria’s safe return to her family.
“And we must tell whoever is behind Maria’s abduction and disappearance that no amount of terror and violence or intimidation will silence us. That many many more Marias will step forward to take up her fight for democracy and decency in Tanzania,” Lissu wrote on X.
Several prominent Kenyans took to social media demanding the immediate release of Maria Tsehai, some linking her abduction to what happened to Uganda’s opposition figure Kizza Besigye in Nairobi.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the abduction of @MariaSTsehai a Tanzanian champion for democracy and human rights in the vicinity of Yaya Centre in Nairobi.
“This incident, which follows closely on the heels of the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, is a deeply troubling violation of human rights and an alarming signal regarding the safety and security of all individuals within our borders, regardless of nationality.
“Her abduction is not only an attack on her personal freedoms but also an assault on the very principles that Kenya has long stood for; the right to speak freely, the right to dissent, and the right to live without fear of political persecution.
“We stand in full solidarity with Maria, her family, the people of Tanzania, and the broader East African community in condemning this despicable and unlawful act.
“Kenya, which has long been considered a refuge for those seeking freedom from authoritarian regimes, must not allow itself to become a country where political opposition is silenced through violence, abduction, and intimidation.
“It is deeply concerning that such acts are now being carried out on Kenyan soil. The Kenyan government must act without delay to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals, both foreign and domestic, within our borders.
“Finally, I urge the international community to join us in calling for Maria’s immediate release and in standing firm against the erosion of democracy and human rights across East Africa,” Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah wrote on X.
Maria Tsehai speaks out
Maria Sarungi Tsehai was released hours later after her abduction following widespread reports and public concern.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo confirmed Tsehai’s release, vowing to pursue answers from relevant authorities following her abduction.
“@MariaSTsehai has been released and is safe for now. The unfortunate ordeal she has endured paints a worrying picture of the state of our country’s human rights context. We will pursue answers from all relevant authorities on why this happened. We thank everyone for the concern and support in ensuring her release,” Odhiambo wrote.
Speaking in the company of the LSK President and other human rights defenders, Maria Tsehai thanked everyone who spoke out against her abduction.
The traumatized Tanzanian human rights defender broke down in tears while speaking. She promised to give more details about her abduction on Monday.
“Asanteni sana nko salama Mungu ni mwema na kesho ntachukua muda kuwashukuru vizuri. Naomba niwashukuru watu wa Kenya, Tanzania na all the international people,” Maria Tsehai said.
