Linda Mwananchi: Condemns Twaha Mwaipaya Abduction in Kenya

• The Linda Mwananchi movement has condemned the reported abduction of Tanzanian opposition activist Twaha Mwaipaya in Kamulu, Machakos County.
• Amnesty International reported that Mwaipaya was seized by individuals in three vehicles while traveling in a taxi, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
• Linda Mwananchi has demanded that Kenyan authorities immediately disclose Mwaipaya's location, ensure his safety, and prevent his forced removal from the country.
• The incident is linked to a troubling pattern of cross-border abductions in Kenya, including those of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in November 2024 and Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai in January 2025.
• The movement criticized President William Ruto’s administration, warning that such events jeopardize Kenya's status as a haven for those fleeing political persecution.

The movement highlighted that these incidents collectively threaten Kenya’s long-standing international reputation as a secure refuge for individuals escaping political persecution within the region.

The Linda Mwananchi movement has voiced strong condemnation regarding the reported abduction of Tanzanian opposition activist Twaha Mwaipaya. This incident, which occurred in Kamulu, Machakos County, has prompted urgent calls for transparency and assurances regarding his well-being. According to information released by Amnesty International, Mwaipaya was forcibly taken while he was a passenger in a taxi, by individuals operating three separate vehicles. Crucially, no details about his location following this seizure have been made public.

Linda Mwananchi views the case of Twaha Mwaipaya as the latest instance in a disturbing series of cross-border abductions that specifically target individuals engaged in opposition politics and human rights advocacy. The movement drew parallels to previous incidents involving activists and opposition figures from neighboring states who were allegedly targeted while on Kenyan soil. A notable example cited is the November 2024 abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in Nairobi, who was subsequently transferred to Uganda and detained after appearing before a military court and remains in detention with his health reportedly deteriorating.

Another concerning event mentioned was the reported January 2025 abduction of Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai by armed individuals in Nairobi. Fortunately, she was released hours later, a development attributed to widespread public outrage and the intervention of human rights defenders. These repeated incidents, particularly the recent Twaha Mwaipaya abduction, have led Linda Mwananchi to criticize President William Ruto’s administration, warning that Kenya risks becoming a 'hunting ground' for those seeking to suppress dissent beyond their own national borders. The safety of human rights defenders in Kenya is increasingly under scrutiny.

The movement highlighted that these incidents collectively threaten Kenya’s long-standing international reputation as a secure refuge for individuals escaping political persecution within the region. Linda Mwananchi has reiterated its demand for immediate action to determine Twaha Mwaipaya’s whereabouts, ensure his protection from harm, and prevent any forced transfer out of Kenya. They continue to call for an independent inquiry to establish the full facts of the reported abduction and to hold those responsible accountable.

Reaffirming its dedication to upholding democracy, human rights, and the Constitution, Linda Mwananchi emphasized that Kenya should maintain its status as a beacon of freedom and a sanctuary for those fleeing persecution. The ongoing pattern of cross-border abductions in Kenya, particularly involving a Tanzanian activist abducted in Kenya, underscores the critical need for robust legal and protective measures for foreign nationals, especially political activists, within the country's borders.

Lawyers advising foreign nationals, particularly political activists or human rights defenders, in Kenya should be aware of the heightened risk of cross-border abductions and prepare for urgent legal challenges regarding their safety, whereabouts, and prevention of forced removal, potentially involving international human rights law.

Source: Original reporting via Linda Mwananchi statement