Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a Tanzanian media personality and rights advocate, was abducted in Nairobi by three armed men. This incident follows a trend of targeting activists in the region, with concerns about governmental repression continuing to rise. Tsehai was known for her outspoken criticism of the Tanzanian government on various issues, especially the recent budget for a VIP jet amid pressing social challenges.
Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a prominent Tanzanian media figure and advocate for human rights, has reportedly been abducted in Nairobi. The incident occurred on Sunday, March 12, 2023, around 3:15 PM in Kilimani, where she was taken by three armed men in a black Noah vehicle, as stated by Amnesty Kenya. This alarming event has drawn attention from various human rights organizations and the public, prompting calls for her safe return.
Tsehai is recognized for her outspoken criticism of the Tanzanian government, particularly against President Samia Suluhu. With a substantial following of 1.5 million individuals on the social media platform X, she actively uses her influence to shed light on governmental issues in Tanzania. Just hours prior to her kidnapping, Tsehai posted about the Tanzanian Parliament’s decision to purchase a VIP jet amidst the country’s pressing social problems, stating, “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?” This last message reflects her dedication to social justice and governmental accountability.
The circumstances surrounding Tsehai’s presence in Kenya remain unclear, including her intentions or engagements prior to the abduction. Her case is particularly concerning as it follows another recent abduction involving a prominent political figure in the region. In November 2024, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was also abducted from a well-known neighborhood in Nairobi and subsequently faced legal challenges in Uganda. This pattern of targeting activists highlights a troubling trend in East Africa, where criticism of the government can lead to severe repercussions.
This incident underscores the urgency of addressing the safety of activists in the region, particularly those vocalizing dissent. Tsehai’s abduction adds to the growing list of cases involving the abduction of youth and critics using social media to challenge governmental authority, raising significant concerns over freedom of expression and safety in East Africa.
The ongoing trend of abductions of activists and political dissenters in East Africa poses significant challenges to human rights and freedom of expression in the region. Activists are increasingly at risk as governments exert pressure on individuals vocalizing criticism through various platforms, including social media. This situation is not unique, as evidenced by the recent abduction of Kizza Besigye, emphasizing a broader climate of fear and suppression against civil society in Kenya and surrounding countries.
Maria Sarungi Tsehai’s abduction marks a troubling escalation in the targeting of activists in East Africa, raising critical issues regarding personal safety and freedom of speech. As authorities grapple with the implications of such incidents, the international community’s vigilance and response are essential to ensure the protection of dissenting voices against oppressive regimes.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
