Tanzanian Activist Maria Tsehai Abducted in Nairobi, Later Released

Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a Tanzanian activist and media editor, was kidnapped in Nairobi’s Kilimani area on Sunday afternoon but was freed later that evening.

Three armed men wearing hoods abducted Tsehai at Chaka Place, where she had gone to a hair salon. Around 3 p.m., they blocked the taxi she was in, forced her out, and drove her away in a Toyota Noah.

Human rights organizations like Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) quickly intervened, leading to her release. After her return, Tsehai shared a message in a video, saying, “Thank you very much, dear Kenyans and Tanzanians. I am safe and God is good. I will thank you properly tomorrow.”

Tsehai, known for being outspoken against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, often criticizes the government through her blog and social media, where she has over 1.3 million followers on X.

Her husband, David, called the incident the worst experience of his life. “I did not know if she was alive or dead,” he said. David also accused the Tanzanian government and its security forces of being responsible for the kidnapping, pointing out that Tsehai has been critical of Suluhu’s government.

The couple has been living in Nairobi after fleeing Tanzania during John Magufuli’s presidency. Magufuli, Suluhu’s predecessor, had issued an arrest warrant against Tsehai.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the abduction, calling it a troubling example of human rights violations. “We will demand answers from the authorities about why this happened,” she stated.

Tanzania has increased its crackdowns on opposition figures as elections approach.

This incident follows other abductions in Nairobi. For instance, in November, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was kidnapped and taken to Kampala, where he faced politically charged accusations. In October, four Turkish refugees were also forcibly taken from Na