Tanzanian media personality Maria Sarungi Tsehai has reportedly been abducted in Nairobi by three armed men. She is a vocal critic of her government and was last active on social media criticizing budget priorities just hours prior to her disappearance. This incident reflects a troubling trend of abductions targeting activists in East Africa.
Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a prominent Tanzanian media figure and staunch human rights advocate, has reportedly been abducted in Nairobi. On Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:15 PM, three armed men forcibly took her from Chaka Place in Kilimani, an area in Nairobi, as communicated by Amnesty Kenya. They stated, “Ms. Maria S. Tsehai, Tanzanian independent media editor and human rights defender kidnapped by three armed men in a black Noah from Chaka Place, Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya at 3:15 PM today. Teams on site. Spread the word, let’s keep Maria safe.”
A dedicated critic of the Tanzanian government, particularly President Samia Suluhu, Tsehai has garnered a following of 1.5 million on the platform X. She utilizes this platform effectively to shed light on governmental shortcomings. Just hours prior to her disappearance, she voiced her concerns regarding the government’s decision to procure two aircraft, critiquing the spending priorities amid pressing issues faced by ordinary Tanzanians. In her post, she remarked, “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?”
The circumstances surrounding Tsehai’s presence in Kenya remain unclear, as it is not yet confirmed when she arrived or the nature of her visit prior to her alleged abduction. This incident marks a concerning pattern of enforced disappearances among activists in the region. Just three months prior, on November 16, 2024, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was similarly kidnapped in Nairobi and forcibly returned to Uganda, where he now faces military charges related to national security.
This distressing event occurs against the backdrop of rising tensions in East Africa, particularly for activists voicing dissent against their governments. Kenya, designated as a hub for East African civil society, has seen a notable increase in abductions targeting individuals who engage in political critique via social media. The trend illustrates a grave concern regarding political suppression and the lack of safety for dissenters in the region, emphasizing the risks faced by those like Tsehai.
In summary, the abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai raises alarm over the safety of outspoken individuals advocating for human rights in East African countries. With previous incidents such as the kidnapping of Kizza Besigye, this pattern of enforced disappearances underscores the challenges faced by critics of the government, particularly those utilizing social media to amplify their voices. The authorities are urged to ensure the safety of activists like Tsehai and to investigate this troubling trend thoroughly.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
