By Samuel Ouma
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kenya have strongly condemned the recent abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a well-known Tanzanian journalist, communications expert, and outspoken critic of President Samia Suluhu’s government.
Maria Sarungi Tsehai, recognized for her bold critiques of government corruption and human rights abuses in Tanzania, was taken under unclear circumstances in Nairobi on Sunday, January 12, 2025, causing widespread alarm throughout the East African region.
In their press statement, the CSOs voiced serious concerns that Maria’s abduction could indicate a troubling continuation of forced renditions in Kenya.
They pointed to previous incidents, such as the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, the kidnapping of Turkish nationals, South Sudanese activists, Ethiopians, and the unresolved disappearances of 36 Ugandans in Kisumu.
“These events not only jeopardize Kenya’s standing as a haven for democracy and human rights but also create fear among political dissidents, refugees, and whistleblowers seeking safety in the country,” stated the CSOs.
The abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai raises significant questions about Kenya’s commitment to its obligations under international human rights treaties, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
“If the Kenyan government does not take action against such incidents, impunity will become entrenched, endangering regional stability and the principles upheld by the international community and the East African Community (EAC),” the CSOs cautioned.
The organizations were clear in holding Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) and National Police Service (NPS) responsible for their failure to prevent this incident.
They also criticized both agencies for neglecting their constitutional duty to protect individuals within Kenya.
In their call to action, they urged the Kenyan government to reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law by initiating an independent investigation into the incident and preventing the normalization of such practices.
They also appealed to both the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments to guarantee full and immediate accountability for Maria’s abduction.
