Written by Were Kelly
The family of Mwabili Mwagodi, a prominent Kenyan human rights activist, is reeling in anguish following his mysterious disappearance in Tanzania under circumstances pointing to a possible abduction.
Speaking to the media, Isabella Kituri, Mwagodi’s distraught sister, said the family is grappling with fear and uncertainty.
“The pain of not knowing where he is, or what may have happened to him, is unbearable,” she said, urging swift action from both the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments.
Mwagodi, widely known for his vocal opposition to church-based political fundraising, especially those linked to President William Ruto, was reportedly taken by unknown individuals on Wednesday night, July 23, while en route to Dar es Salaam.
According to his wife, the activist had left his car behind to use public transport to the city, where he works with a hospitality company. His phone went off during the journey — and he hasn’t been heard from since.
“He was just doing his civic duty,” Kituri added. “If there’s anything he is accused of, let it be addressed through the legal system. We just want him back — safe.”
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights groups, including Vocal Africa, whose CEO Hussein Khalid confirmed receiving reports from the family.
“A Kenyan has been abducted in Tanzania — again,” Khalid posted. “Mwabili was targeted for his stand on church donations. This must stop.”
Mwagodi’s case comes amid rising concerns over the safety of Kenyan activists travelling in or working from Tanzania, with recent reports indicating a growing trend of cross-border intimidation and arrests.
Activist Boniface Mwangi, recently entangled in separate legal trouble back home, had also reportedly been detained in Tanzania under unclear grounds weeks earlier.
The family now demands urgent diplomatic intervention, as fears grow for Mwagodi’s safety and well-being. Human rights defenders across the region are calling for transparency, protection of civic space, and an end to cross-border repression of dissenting voices.
