Missing activist Mwabili Mwagodi /FILEPressure is mounting on the governments of Kenya and Tanzania following the disappearance of Kenyan human rights activist Mwabili Mwagodi, who went missing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on July 23, 2025.
Amnesty International on Saturday issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over the reported abduction and disappearance of Mwagodi, a prominent critic of political influence in religious institutions and a well-known mobiliser of youth movements in Kenya.
According to the rights group, eyewitnesses reported that Mwagodi was seized by unidentified individuals in the Tanzanian city where he is employed by a hospitality company.
"All attempts by his family to reach him have since failed," Amnesty International said in a statement signed by Irungu Houghton, the organisation’s Kenya Section Director.
The incident, it noted, appears to follow “a disturbing pattern of cross-border repression of activists in East Africa.”
Mwagodi’s disappearance has drawn parallels with recent cases involving other regional human rights defenders.
Just weeks ago, Kenyan photojournalist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire were reportedly abducted and tortured while in Tanzania.
Their case is now before the East African Court of Justice.
Amnesty International called on the governments of Kenya and Tanzania to urgently disclose Mwagodi's whereabouts and ensure his safety.
The organisation also urged both states to initiate transparent and independent investigations into the circumstances of his disappearance.
“The continued harassment and targeting of human rights defenders across East Africa must end,” the statement read.
“States must uphold their regional and international human rights obligations, including the right to freedom of expression, movement, and protection from enforced disappearance.”
The incident has sparked concern among civil society groups and the wider public, with many questioning the silence and apparent inaction of both governments.
Amnesty International emphasised that Mwagodi’s activism should not be criminalised.
“His disappearance is a grave violation of human rights; it must be addressed with urgency and accountability,” Houghton said.
The international rights body has reaffirmed its support for Mwagodi’s family and colleagues, calling on East African authorities to ensure justice and safety for those who speak out against human rights violations.
At the time of his disappearance, Mwagodi was in Dar es Salaam for work-related duties.
His outspokenness on matters of governance, youth empowerment, and the intersection of religion and politics had earned him recognition but also, reportedly, criticism from state-affiliated actors.
Rights defenders and analysts have pointed to a growing trend in East Africa where critical voices—especially those challenging government narratives—face harassment, arrest, or enforced disappearances.
The pressure now lies heavily on both Nairobi and Dodoma to act swiftly.
As calls for accountability rise, the governments of Kenya and Tanzania are expected to address the matter promptly or risk further condemnation from both local and international human rights groups.
The silence surrounding Mwagodi’s fate has only intensified concern, with Amnesty International warning of the dangerous precedent being set.
“Amnesty International stands in solidarity with Mwabili’s family, colleagues, and all those acting for justice and human rights in East Africa,” the statement concluded.
The statement came a while after Mwagodi's family alleged frustration in their attempts to record a statement with the DCI over their kin's disappearance.
Sister Isabella Kituri said Mwagodi's continued disappearance and deafening silence from both the Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities was taking a heavy toll on the family, especially their elderly parents.
“We were sent to Kilimani for the DCI to let us write a statement. We even went to DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, but still, nothing is coming from them.”
She spoke at the Kilimani police station, where she said the family was referred to by Kileleshwa police to file their report.
