January 13, 2025
Prominent Tanzanian rights activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, known for her fearless advocacy for political reform and women’s rights, was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday. Amnesty International reported that Tsehai was kidnapped by three armed men driving a black Toyota Noah in the Kilimani area of the city. Her organisation, Change Tanzania, accused Tanzanian security agents of orchestrating the abduction in an attempt to silence legitimate political dissent.
Tsehai’s disappearance sparked widespread concern and an outpouring of support. Several hours later, Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya, confirmed her release in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Maria Sarungi Tsehai has been released and is safe for now,” she wrote, highlighting the troubling human rights implications of the incident. A visibly shaken Tsehai appeared in a video expressing gratitude to those who intervened on her behalf. “Today I have been saved,” she said.
The abduction of Tsehai comes amid rising fears of cross-border repression by Tanzanian authorities under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose administration faces criticism for suppressing dissent. International human rights organisations and Western governments have condemned the Tanzanian government for a campaign of intimidation ahead of upcoming elections.