East African legal bodies press Kenya, Tanzania over activist's disappearance
Twaha Mwaipaya was reportedly abducted in Kenya on October 25, with authorities offering conflicting accounts.
Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya was reportedly abducted in Kenya on October 25, drawing intervention from East African legal bodies. Amnesty International Kenya stated that three unidentified men intercepted Mwaipaya's taxi in Kamulu, Machakos County, forcing the driver out and taking Mwaipaya in one of three vehicles. CHADEMA, Mwaipaya's party, has called for his safety and accountability for those responsible.
The Kenyan Government Spokesperson's office stated on October 27 that it had received no formal report of the abduction, while the Tanzania High Commission in Nairobi also reported no such claim. This contrasts with a Reuters report of a police document listing Mwaipaya as missing on October 26. The Uganda Law Society described the incident as part of wider regional cross-border repression, urging Tanzania to seek extradition through judicial safeguards if it has a case.
No Tanzanian authority has publicly stated it is seeking Mwaipaya's return or accused him of an offence. The Pan-African Solidarity Network held a press conference in Nairobi on October 26 regarding the case. Kenya's constitution protects against arbitrary deprivation of liberty and guarantees a fair trial.
Why it mattersTanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya is missing in Kenya, with his political party and regional legal bodies demanding answers from both governments.