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Tanzanian media editor and human rights defender Maria Sarungi Tsehai, who was abducted on Sunday in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, has been released and is now safe at home.
Maria, a prominent activist and fierce critic of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, was seized by three hooded and armed men near Chaka Place.
According to reports, the assailants intercepted her Uber, forcibly removed her, and drove away in a black Toyota Noah.
Videos of the ordeal show the alleged abductors lingering at the salon where she was, and the vehicle speeding off.
Speaking after her release, Maria’s husband recounted the harrowing incident.
She came here to have her hair done and called me that she was leaving, and she didn't show up at home. After some time, she wasn't answering her phone, so I decided to come here and investigate why I could not reach her. The askaris here at the gate told me that she was abducted at about 3:00 pm
Her husband immediately reached out to various organisations, including Amnesty International, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and the Law Society of Kenya who raised the alarm.
UN Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson and European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger are some of the prominent people who expressed concern about the reports. Hours later, Maria was released.
Following her release, Maria's husband said that this has been one of the worst moments of his life.
I have to tell you this has been the worst ordeal of my life. I didn’t know whether she was alive or dead.
Why Maria fled Tanzania to Kenya
Maria and her family fled Tanzania four years ago under the regime of the late President John Magufuli after their business was shut down and her media license revoked.
Her husband revealed that an arrest warrant had been issued for Maria, prompting their relocation to Kenya.
Eventually, we moved here, we set up a small media house, and Maria continued her activism; being critical of the government of Tanzania, fighting for democracy, media freedom, and individual freedom.
Maria’s abduction has raised concerns about the safety of activists and freedom of expression in East Africa.
Kizza Besigye’s abduction in Nairobi
In November 2024, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was allegedly abducted in Nairobi and subsequently transported to Kampala, Uganda.
Besigye travelled to Nairobi on November 16, 2024, reportedly to attend the launch of Martha Karua's autobiography.
He was picked up by people believed to be security officers and taken to Kampala where upon arrival, Besigye faced charges related to security offences and illegal possession of firearms.
He appeared before a military court on November 20, where he was accused of threatening national security.
The Ugandan government claimed that it coordinated with Kenya for this operation, however, Kenyan officials denied any involvement in the abduction.