Mwabili Mwagodi’s mother Jeslinah Mwabili, Khelef Khalifa and Mwagodi’s sister Isabella Kituri at Pandya hospital on Monday / BRIAN OTIENO
Mwabili Mwagodi and Khelef Khalifa at Panday
hospital on Monday / BRIAN OTIENO
Mwabili Mwagodi and Khelef Khalifa at Panday
hospital on Monday / BRIAN OTIENO
Veteran human rights defender Khelef Khalifa has urged for a
full toxicology examination on activist Mwabili Mwagodi following concerns over
his erratic behaviour after being found at Diani police station.
Khalifa, director at Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri),
visited Mwagodi in the hospital on Monday and noted that the activist appeared
highly agitated when he was initially found.
He suggested that the symptoms might be linked to substances
administered to Mwagodi prior to his detention, emphasising the importance of
toxicology tests to establish the facts before it is too late.
Mwagodi’s health has reportedly improved under ongoing
medical care in Mombasa, and psychiatrists are currently assessing his mental
state.
Khalifa also highlighted concerns about Mwagodi’s recent
detention, describing what he views as possible coordination between Kenyan and
Tanzanian authorities in handling the case.
According to Khalifa, Mwagodi was handed over to Kenyan
officials outside of standard official channels, raising questions about the
legality of the transfer.
Mwagodi was reportedly held incommunicado for three days in
Tanzania before being transferred to Kenya via informal border routes at Lunga
Lunga. Upon handover, Mwagodi recognised Kenyan officers by their accents and
noted differences in the professionalism between Tanzanian and Kenyan
authorities.
During a conversation, Mwagodi shared that Tanzanian
authorities were aware of his political activism, including his previous
support for President William Ruto during the 2022 elections.
He explained that his support waned due to unfulfilled promises and increased repression, prompting him to become more critical on social media.
Khalifa said Mwagodi feels disappointed by the President,
having previously campaigned on his behalf in various regions.
Khalifa also revealed warnings Mwagodi received from
Tanzanian activists about expressing dissent in Tanzania, where political
freedoms are more restricted.
Unlike the case of rights defender Boniface Mwangi, who was
reportedly abducted and tortured in Tanzania earlier this year, Khalifa said
Mwagodi was not physically harmed while in Tanzanian custody and was eventually
handed over to Kenyan authorities.
The incident raises ongoing concerns about freedom of
expression and cross-border cooperation in addressing political dissent in the
region.
Khalifa expressed fears for his own safety, given his frequent visits to Tanzania.
