Prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai has spoken out about her harrowing abduction experience in Kenya, blaming the Tanzanian government for the incident. Tsehai, a vocal critic of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was abducted by four unknown assailants in Nairobi on Sunday and released several hours later.
During a press briefing on Monday, Tsehai recounted how she was manhandled, choked, and shouted at by her abductors, who demanded access to her social media accounts and phone. She believes the abduction was aimed at silencing her whistleblowing activities and accessing her online presence.
Tsehai, who fled to Kenya in 2020 seeking asylum, has been a fierce advocate for land rights and freedom of expression in Tanzania. Her abduction has sparked widespread condemnation, with Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya denouncing the incident.
Roland Ebole, spokesperson for Amnesty International Kenya, described the abduction as a “very dangerous precedent”. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, vowed to pursue answers from the authorities, stating, “We will not allow our country to be used as a haven for picking up individuals”.
Tsehai’s experience has raised concerns about Tanzania’s return to repressive rule, despite President Hassan’s promises to restore competitive politics. The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by activists and opposition leaders in Tanzania, where dozens were arrested and some brutally killed last year.
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