Tanzanian Human Rights Defender Abducted in Nairobi: Maria Sarungi…

Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a Tanzanian media personality and critic of the government, was reportedly abducted in Nairobi by three armed men. Her abduction raises concerns regarding the safety of activists in East Africa amidst a troubling trend of government crackdowns on dissent. Tsehai had recently criticized the Tanzanian government regarding its allocation of funds for a VIP aircraft, urging accountability for pressing social issues.

Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a respected Tanzanian media figure and advocate for human rights, has reportedly been abducted in Nairobi, Kenya. A statement from Amnesty Kenya indicates that on Sunday, Tsehai was forcibly taken by three armed individuals from Chaka Place in the Kilimani area at approximately 3:15 PM. The statement urged the public to “spread the word” in efforts to ensure her safety.

Tsehai, known for her critiques against President Samia Suluhu, utilizes her platform to highlight significant political issues in Tanzania, amassing 1.5 million followers on X (formerly Twitter). In her final post prior to her abduction, she expressed grave concern regarding the Tanzanian government’s plans to acquire two airplanes, criticizing the allocation of funds for a VIP jet when pressing issues such as maternal mortality remain unaddressed. “Our Parliament is useless. How could you pass this budget? Mothers are dying during childbirth and you are approving billions to buy a plane for VIPs?” she lamented.

The specific reasons for Tsehai’s visit to Kenya remain unclear, as does the timeline of her arrival. This incident marks the second documented case in recent months where an outspoken East African political figure has been abducted from a wealthy district in Nairobi. On November 16, 2024, prominent Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was similarly taken under duress from Riverside Drive in Nairobi, later being charged in Uganda’s military court.

This alarming trend comes amid a broader context of increasing abductions of individuals, particularly the youth, criticizing the Kenyan government via social media platforms. The targeting of vocal activists raises pressing concerns regarding freedom of expression within the region, revealing an unsettling environment for dissenters.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened risks for activists and critics of the government in East Africa. The region has seen a worrying trend of abductions and harassment aimed at those who openly dissent against political authorities. In Kenya, threats to personal safety have increased for individuals utilizing social media to express opposition to government policies and actions, particularly under regimes that exhibit authoritarian tendencies. The involvement of armed men in Tsehai’s abduction signals a concerning pattern of intimidation directed at human rights defenders across East Africa.

The abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai highlights the precarious state of political dissent in East Africa, drawing attention to the personal safety risks faced by activists in the region. As public outcry grows regarding her kidnapping, it underscores the urgent need for protections for individuals advocating for human rights and governmental accountability. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges that remain in safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring the safety of critics in the region.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke