Two human rights groups have raised concerns over the treatment of Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi, who was reported missing in Tanzania and later found in Kenya under unclear circumstances.
Representatives from Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri) and Vocal Africa claimed that Mwagodi, who works in Dar es Salaam under a valid permit, was held incommunicado from Wednesday last week and surfaced on Sunday after walking into Diani Police Station in Kwale County.
Francis Auma of Muhuri and Walid Sketty of Vocal Africa said they picked Mwagodi from the police station after he was allegedly dropped in a bush in Kinondo by unidentified individuals.
“He was blindfolded and questioned about his interest in Tanzanian politics and who was funding him,” Auma alleged.
The two activists claimed Mwagodi was transported to the Kenya-Tanzania border and handed over to unknown persons before being left in Kinondo, where he was briefly interrogated and some of his personal items taken.
At Diani Police Station, the activists claimed Mwagodi had not been booked and was being watched by several plain-clothes officers.
They said uniformed officers did not engage with them and initially resisted efforts to take Mwagodi for medical attention.
The groups said they took him to Aga Khan Hospital, where he was reportedly turned away, before he was admitted to Pandya Memorial Hospital.
Auma and Sketty said Mwagodi appeared traumatised and hesitant to cooperate due to fear.
They alleged Mwagodi had injuries consistent with physical abuse, including marks on his back and signs of psychological distress.
Mwagodi’s uncle, Zakaria Mwabili, said the family is relieved he was found alive, but called for the return of his personal items and a full medical check-up.
Mombasa police boss Nicholas Chalulot said authorities have not yet questioned Mwagodi due to his condition.
“We are waiting for doctors to give the go-ahead before speaking to him,” Chalulot told The Star by phone.
Msambweni police boss Robinson Langat said he would respond once briefed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, but had not commented by the time of publication.
