Tanzanian opposition activist and youth mobilization coordinator for the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) party, Twaha Salim Mwaipaya, has been reported missing following his alleged abduction by unknown armed men in Kenya.
According to statements issued by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya and the Defenders Coalition, the incident occurred at around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25. Mwaipaya was traveling in a taxi through the Kamulu area along the border of Nairobi and Machakos counties to visit friends when his vehicle was intercepted by individuals operating three vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser hardtop. He was forcibly removed from the taxi and driven away to an unknown location.
Outcry and Calls for Presidential Action
The disappearance has sparked significant outrage from civil society groups, regional political movements, and opposition leaders across East Africa. CHADEMA officially appealed to Kenyan President William Ruto to intervene directly in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief to ensure state security agencies locate Mwaipaya and secure his safe release.
Similarly, Kenya’s Linda Mwananchi movement strongly condemned the incident, describing the alleged abduction as a violation of regional democratic values and international protections guaranteed to political dissidents and refugees seeking safety in Kenya.
“We demand an independent investigation into his abduction and accountability for everyone involved, regardless of their office or nationality,” the group stated, citing fears that Mwaipaya could be forcibly extradited to face political persecution in Tanzania.
The incident follows a concerning pattern of cross-border political abductions reported within Nairobi in recent years. Kenyan security agencies have yet to issue an official status report regarding Mwaipaya’s current location or the progress of their search efforts.