Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a Tanzanian media personality and human rights defender, was abducted by armed men in Nairobi. Amnesty Kenya reported the incident, calling for public support for her safety. Tsehai is known for her criticism of the Tanzanian government and had recently condemned government spending on VIP jets amidst pressing social issues. Her kidnapping occurs in a troubling context of heightened abductions targeting activists in East Africa.
Tanzanian media personality and human rights advocate Maria Sarungi Tsehai was reportedly abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, by three armed men. The incident occurred at Chaka Place in Kilimani at approximately 3:15 PM on Sunday. Amnesty Kenya issued a statement urging the public to help ensure her safety, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Ms. Tsehai is renowned for her criticisms of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and utilizes her substantial following on social media to discuss significant governmental concerns.
In her recent communications, Tsehai condemned the Tanzanian Parliament for approving a budget to acquire a VIP jet amidst pressing social issues, 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?” Such remarks underline her commitment to advocating for the populace’s needs over those of government officials. While it remains unclear how long she has been in Kenya or the purpose of her visit, her abduction raises alarm due to growing concerns over the safety of outspoken activists.
This incident marks the second reported kidnapping of a vocal East African activist within a short period, following the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in November. Such events highlight an unsettling trend of abductions primarily targeting activists and critics of the government, particularly among Kenyan youth active on social media. This pattern continues to foster an environment of fear among those engaged in human rights advocacy and government criticism across the region.
The abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai underscores the turbulent climate for activists in East Africa, particularly in relation to government criticism. Tsehai, a prominent journalist and human rights defender, has used her platform to expose governmental issues in Tanzania, notably criticizing the current administration’s priorities. This incident also resonates with a broader troubling trend of abductions within Nairobi, which has seen other activists targeted for their outspoken views. The political context further amplifies concern among those advocating for democracy and human rights in the region.
The alleged abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by human rights defenders in East Africa. It highlights a growing climate of fear for activists speaking out against governmental injustices. As calls for action spread across social media, the urgency to ensure Tsehai’s safety is paramount, emphasizing the need for greater protections for voices advocating for social change in the region.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
