Tanzanian activist and human rights defender Maria Sarungi has confirmed she is safe following her alleged abduction at Chaka Place in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.
In a video shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) page hours after she was reported missing on Sunday, Sarungi reassured the public of her well-being and promised to share details of her ordeal on Monday.
“Asanteni sana niko salama, Mungu ni mwema na kesho nitachukua muda niwashukuru vizuri,” she said, meaning, “Thank you so much, I am safe, God is good, and tomorrow I will take time to properly thank you.”
Appearing alongside Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, an emotional Sarungi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kenyans and Tanzanians for their unwavering support and calls for her release.
Prior to Sarungi’s public appearance, LSK President Faith Odhiambo had confirmed her release through her official X account. Ms. Odhiambo raised concerns over the growing pattern of abductions in Kenya, warning that such incidents are a grave violation of human rights. She called on the international community to urgently intervene.
“The escalating cases of enforced disappearances and abductions are a serious breach of human rights. We call upon the international community to hold accountable those responsible and to ensure the safety of all activists and human rights defenders,” Odhiambo stated.
According to Amnesty Kenya, Sarungi was forcibly taken by three armed men in a black Toyota Noah from Chaka Place, Kilimani, at approximately 3:15 pm on Sunday.
“Maria, a Tanzanian independent media editor and human rights defender, was kidnapped by three armed men in a black Noah from Chaka Place, Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya, at 3:15 pm today. Teams are on-site,” Amnesty Kenya reported on X.
Kenyan authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Fears had escalated that Sarungi could have been forcefully transported to Tanzania for potential detention.
This troubling incident follows a series of abductions involving foreign nationals in Kenya. Notably, on November 16, 2024, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was abducted in Nairobi and later transferred to Kampala.
Besigye, along with his associate Hajji Obeid Lutale, has been in remand since November 20, 2024, facing multiple national security charges, including unlawful possession of firearms. The two are scheduled to appear before Uganda’s general court-martial on Monday.
Maria Sarungi’s safe return underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect human rights defenders and activists in Kenya.
The Law Society of Kenya and human rights activists calls on Kenyan authorities to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding Maria Sarungi’s abduction and to prioritize the safety and protection of activists and foreign nationals operating within its borders.
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