Tanzanian Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Rescued After Abduction

Maria Sarungi Tsehai's abduction by armed men sparked international concern and highlights ongoing issues of political repression in Tanzania.

Prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai has been rescued after being reportedly kidnapped by armed men in Nairobi, Kenya. Hours after her abduction on Sunday afternoon, the activist took to social media, sharing an emotional video with her 1.3 million followers, declaring, "I have been saved."

According to Amnesty International Kenya spokesperson Roland Ebole, Tsehai was forced into a vehicle by unidentified assailants. However, the activist was freed within hours, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her abduction. The president of the Law Society of Kenya, Faith Odhiambo, confirmed on social media that her organization had facilitated Tsehai's release, emphasizing that Kenya must not be a sanctuary for external government persecution.

Despite her release, neither Kenyan nor Tanzanian officials have issued statements on the incident, which underscores the ongoing political tension in Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government. Tsehai has been a persistent critic of President Hassan, asserting that the current administration is reviving the oppressive tactics reminiscent of former President John Magufuli's reign.

There is increasing concern that Tanzania might revert to repressive governance as the 2025 presidential elections draw closer. In the previous year, multiple opposition activists faced arrest and violence, with a human rights organization noting a concerning uptick in such incidents ahead of the elections.

The Change Tanzania movement, founded by Tsehai, alleged that Tanzanian security forces were responsible for her kidnapping, operating outside their jurisdiction to intimidate opposition voices. Tsehai had previously expressed fears for her safety, citing an incident where strangers were spotted at her home looking for her.

Kenya has a troubling history of allowing foreign governments to conduct abductions and illegal extraditions, often violating international law. Past instances include the kidnapping of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, whose case raised alarms about the safety of political dissidents in the region.

Amidst ongoing disappearances in Kenya, particularly following youth-led protests against tax hikes, there are rising demands for the government to take action to protect citizens from similar fates. The situation remains tense, as civil rights groups and activists push back against a climate of fear and repression in both Kenya and Tanzania.