Kidnapped Tanzanian Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Found Hours After Abduction in Nairobi.

Tanzanian activist and media editor Maria Sarungi Tsehai.

Prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai was found and released hours after being abducted by armed men in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Sunday afternoon.

Tsehai, a fierce critic of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and a staunch advocate for land rights and freedom of expression, shared a video on her social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), expressing relief after her ordeal. In the video, she appeared visibly shaken and emotional, but stated, “I have been saved.”

Amnesty International Kenya spokesperson Roland Ebole confirmed that Tsehai had been forcibly taken into a vehicle by armed individuals, but was later released. The circumstances of her release remain unclear, but it has been reported that efforts from various Kenyan civil society organizations played a role in securing her freedom. Faith Odhiambo, the president of the Law Society of Kenya, confirmed on X that they had arranged for her release. She also issued a strong statement, warning that Kenya would not allow its territory to be used for abductions of individuals, adding that her release was a victory for human rights.

Tsehai’s kidnapping has raised serious concerns about the safety of activists and critics of the Tanzanian government. The activist, known for her vocal criticism of the current Tanzanian administration, has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of bringing “tyranny back” to the country. There have been growing fears that Tanzania may be returning to the repressive governance style seen under the late President John Magufuli, despite President Suluhu’s earlier efforts to ease some of the oppressive measures, including lifting the ban on opposition gatherings.

Neither Kenyan nor Tanzanian officials have publicly commented on the incident, which has drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally. The Law Society of Kenya’s intervention has brought attention to the need for greater protection for activists and individuals facing persecution due to their political views, especially in the context of cross-border political tensions.

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