Kenya: Tanzanian Journalist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Abducted in Nairobi
January 13, 2025 - Kenya, Nairobi
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the abduction and assault of Tanzanian journalist Maria Sarungi Tsehai in Nairobi.
Four men, claiming to be police, abducted Maria, restrained her, seized her phones, and demanded access to her accounts. She was held for four hours before being released. Maria suspects Tanzanian involvement in the attack.
Maria, a vocal critic of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, fled to Kenya in 2020 seeking asylum after receiving threats under late President John Magufuli's administration. She has since accused the current government of restoring "tyranny" in Tanzania.
We stand with Maria Sarungi Tsehai and demand justice for this terrifying attack. Kenyan authorities must thoroughly investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable. Kenya, under President William Ruto, has seen a rise in abductions targeting exiled critics, activists, and journalists. This must stop, and asylum seekers must be protected.
The Tanzanian government must cease cross-border repression and respect the rights of journalists and activists to dissent without fear
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