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Tanzanian editor and human rights defender Maria Sarungi released after abduction in Nairobi

A fiery Tanzanian activist and media editor Maria Sarungi Tsehai has been released after mysterious gangland style kidnapping in Nairobi’s Kilimani area yesterday afternoon.

The identity of the abductors still remains unclear.

Tsehai was abducted by three hooded and armed men at Chaka place, where she had gone to a hair salon.

The men blocked her taxi some minutes past 3 p.m. and bundled her into a waiting Toyota Noah before driving her away.

She was released later in the evening after human rights groups such as Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) took up the matter.

LSK president Faith Odhiambo confirmed her release yesterday night, and called for accountability from authorities.

“Maria Sarungi Tsehai has been released and is safe for now…The unfortunate ordeal she endured paints a worrying picture of the state of our country’s human rights context. We will pursue answers from all relevant authorities on why this happened.” Odhiambo tweeted on her X account.

The incident added to a growing list of abductions and enforced disappearances reported in Kenya over recent months.

“Thank you very much, dear Kenyans and Tanzanians. I am safe and God is good,” Tsehai said in a recorded video shared after her release. I will say thank you properly tomorrow.” She said.

Tsehai is a vocal critic of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and often publishes critical articles on her blog and social media accounts. She has a following of over 1.3 million on X alone.

Tsehai’s husband, David, said following his wife’s release: “This has been the worst ordeal of my life. I did not know whether she was alive or dead.”

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Kenya has seen a surge in cases involving kidnappings and enforced disappearances, often targeting activists, journalists, and youth linked to anti-government protests including foreign nationals who are legally residing in the country.

Human rights organisations report over 40 documented abductions since mid-2024, with most incidents occurring amid public discontent over controversial government tax policies and alleged police misconduct.

Last week, seven young men were freed after weeks of captivity following their participation in protests against president William Ruto’s administration.

Their abductions were allegedly linked to satirical cartoons depicting the President and other leaders in unfavourable light.

Despite their release, the government has yet to identify or charge any suspects in connection with the kidnappings.

The church, professional groups, political leaders and the citizenry have condemned the ongoing wave of abductions raising an accusing finger against the government over what they term as suppression move against critics.

 

 

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