Tanzanian journalist and human rights activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai has been released hours after her reported abduction in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. Maria, who had been missing since Sunday afternoon, confirmed her release through a social media post late Sunday night.

“Mungu ni mwema! Nimepambana na ninyi mmepambana. I am now safe, many thanks to everyone, and I will talk more tomorrow. Nawapenda sana!” she wrote.

Maria’s abduction sparked widespread outrage across East Africa, with human rights groups, activists, and political leaders demanding her immediate release. The journalist, known for her vocal criticism of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, fled to Kenya in 2020, citing safety concerns after the disputed Tanzanian general elections.

Her release has been welcomed by advocacy groups, but concerns over the growing trend of enforced disappearances remain. Human rights organizations have reiterated calls for accountability, urging Kenyan authorities to investigate the incident and take action against the perpetrators.

The incident adds to mounting concerns about cross-border crackdowns on dissent in East Africa. In recent months, Kenya has witnessed several high-profile abductions, including that of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, raising questions about the country’s security apparatus.