Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a prominent Tanzanian journalist and human rights activist, has been abducted in Nairobi. According to Amnesty Kenya, Maria was taken by three armed men driving a black Toyota Noah at Chaka Place in Kilimani on Sunday afternoon.

Maria, known for her outspoken criticism of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s administration, had sought refuge in Kenya after fleeing Tanzania in 2020.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from both Kenyan and Tanzanian leaders. Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu expressed outrage, saying: “No amount of terror or violence will silence us. Many more Marias will rise to fight for democracy in Tanzania.”

NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua also condemned the abduction, accusing the Kenyan government of complicity in the growing trend of enforced disappearances. “I demand Maria’s immediate and unconditional release,” Karua said.

The abduction has intensified concerns over rising cases of enforced disappearances in Kenya, with human rights groups demanding urgent action. Public Service CS Justin Muturi recently voiced concern over the trend, calling for national dialogue to address the issue.

Maria’s abduction draws parallels to the kidnapping of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Kenya last year. Human rights organizations are now calling for immediate investigations to ensure Maria’s safe return and hold those responsible accountable.

Kenya’s security agencies are under pressure to address these incidents, with growing fears of cross-border crackdowns on activists and critics of East African governments.