A prominent Tanzanian human rights activist, Maria Sarungi Tsehai, was kidnapped in Nairobi on Sunday but was later released following intervention from rights groups.
Tsehai, a vocal critic of the Tanzanian government, has been living in exile in Kenya due to her activism. Amnesty International raised the alarm after she was abducted by armed men in the Kilimani area of the city.
Her organization, Change Tanzania, suspected the involvement of Tanzanian security forces, alleging that the abduction was an attempt to silence her criticism of the government.
The Law Society of Kenya secured Tsehai’s release and confirmed her safety.
This incident highlights a growing concern regarding the use of Kenya as a platform for transnational repression, with foreign governments allegedly targeting dissidents within their borders.
Recent cases include the abduction and forced return of Turkish refugees and the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye from Kenyan soil.
Kenya itself has also faced criticism for a wave of abductions targeting critics of President William Ruto, including members of his own cabinet.
These incidents raise serious concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Kenya, prompting calls for investigations and accountability.