Linda Mwananchi Brigades Breaks Silence Over Abduction of Tanzanian Opposition Activist in Kenya

The Linda Mwananchi Movement has broken its silence over the reported abduction of Tanzanian opposition activist Twaha Mwaipaya in Machakos County, demanding answers from the Kenyan government over his whereabouts and safety.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, the movement strongly condemned the incident, which reportedly occurred in Kamulu on Sunday, October 25, as concerns mounted over the safety of political activists seeking refuge in Kenya.

According to Amnesty International, Mwaipaya was seized while travelling in a taxi by individuals using three vehicles. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear.

Linda Mwananchi demanded that Kenyan authorities urgently disclose his whereabouts, guarantee his safety and protect him against any forced removal from the country.

The movement also called for an independent investigation into the incident and accountability for everyone involved, regardless of their nationality or position.

The statement linked Mwaipaya’s case to previous incidents involving opposition figures and human rights defenders from neighbouring countries.

It cited the November 2024 abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye in Nairobi, who was subsequently taken to Uganda and appeared before a military court. Besigye remains in detention, according to the statement, amid concerns about his health and detention conditions.

The movement also recalled the January 2025 abduction of Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai in Nairobi. She was released hours later following public outrage and intervention by human rights defenders.

In a strongly worded criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, Linda Mwananchi accused the government of failing to protect democratic freedoms and allowing Kenya to become unsafe for individuals fleeing political persecution in the region.

The group warned that alleged cross-border abductions threatened Kenya’s reputation as a refuge for democracy advocates and human rights defenders.

It maintained that Kenya must uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional freedoms and ensure that people seeking safety within its borders are not forcibly returned to countries where they fear persecution.

The statement concluded with a call for urgent action, insisting that authorities must establish what happened to Mwaipaya and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of foreign political activists in Kenya and the country’s responsibility to protect human rights within its borders.

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