The alleged abduction of Tanzanian opposition activist Twaha Mwaipaya in Machakos County has triggered fresh concerns over the safety of political dissidents in Kenya.
Opposition movement Linda Mwananchi on Monday demanded his immediate release or disclosure of his whereabouts
In a statement Linda Mwananchi said Mwaipaya was seized in Kamulu by individuals travelling in three vehicles while he was in a taxi.
Citing Amnesty International, the group called on Kenyan authorities to establish his whereabouts, guarantee his safety and prevent his forcible removal from the country.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities of those responsible and Mwaipaya’s current location, remain unknown.
“We demand urgent disclosure of Mwaipaya’s whereabouts, an independent investigation into his abduction, and accountability for everyone involved, regardless of their office or nationality,” Linda Mwananchi said.
The latest abduction adds to concerns over the security of foreign opposition figures and human rights defenders operating in Kenya, particularly those from neighbouring countries facing political tensions.
Linda Mwananchi accused President William Ruto’s administration of allowing Kenya to become a hunting ground for dissidents seeking refuge beyond their home countries.
“Kenya has provided sanctuary to defenders of democracy and human rights fleeing persecution in the region. This is something we have taken pride in,” the movement said.
The group warned that the country risked undermining its reputation as a refuge for people escaping political persecution if individuals could be tracked down and forcibly returned to countries where they feared for their safety.
Mwaipaya’s case follows other incidents involving foreign opposition figures who were allegedly targeted while in Kenya.
In November 2024, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was abducted in Nairobi and subsequently taken to Uganda, where he appeared before a military court. His detention raised concerns among human rights organisations and opposition supporters over his treatment and the circumstances surrounding his transfer.
In January 2025, Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai was abducted by armed men in Nairobi before being released hours later following public outrage and intervention by human rights defenders.
Linda Mwananchi cited the two cases as evidence of what it described as a disturbing pattern of abductions targeting regional opposition figures and human rights defenders on Kenyan soil.
The movement also linked the incidents to broader concerns about democratic freedoms in Kenya, arguing that threats to political dissent at home could weaken protections for foreign activists seeking safety in the country.
“The same contempt for dissent that threatens Kenyans at home also endangers our brothers and sisters who turn to this country for protection,” the statement said.
The latest case raises questions about the steps Kenyan authorities are taking to protect foreign nationals from unlawful detention, abduction or cross-border operations targeting political opponents.
Linda Mwananchi demanded that those responsible be held accountable and urged authorities to ensure that Mwaipaya was not transferred out of Kenya without appropriate legal safeguards.
The movement said Kenya must continue protecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the region.
