Kenyan human rights activist Mwabili Mwagodi has raised alarm over threats to his life, accusing Kenyan police of denying him the right to formally report his recent abduction in Tanzania. Mwagodi, who spoke on Friday at the Central Police Station in Mombasa, said he was refused an OB (Occurrence Book) number despite attempts to record a statement detailing his kidnapping and subsequent ordeal.
Mwagodi was abducted in Tanzania under unclear circumstances and later found abandoned in Kinondo, Kwale County. He believes the abduction was linked to his outspoken criticism of both the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments.
“There’s a clear intention to eliminate people like me,” Mwagodi said. “Here I am, seeking justice in my country and I’ve been denied the chance to write an OB. I have to rely on my lawyers for the next steps.”
He added that Tanzanian operatives warned him to “be careful and protect yourself,” implying that his safety could not be guaranteed before the 2027 elections.
Mwagodi was accompanied by family members and fellow human rights defenders, who condemned the police’s inaction and accused the Kenyan government of working in tandem with Tanzanian authorities to suppress activism.
Khelef Khalifa, Director of Mombasa-based rights group Muhuri, said, “This shows there’s a connection between Kenyan and Tanzanian security. Things they can’t do here, they use Tanzanian forces to do. Human rights activists are being targeted and tortured.”
The incident has sparked growing concern among civil society groups about shrinking civic space and the apparent cross-border crackdown on dissent.
So far, Police have not commented on the allegations.
Written By Rodney Mbua
