NAIROBI, Kenya, January 12th, 2025 – Civil Society Organizations Condemn the Abduction of
MARIA SARUNGI Tsehai.

Civil Society Organizations, under the umbrella platform of Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF), strongly
condemn the abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a Tanzanian media and communications expert and
a tough critic of President Samia Suluhu who does not shy away from writing articles highlighting the
rot in the Tanzanian government. This is a blatant violation of both domestic and international legal
commitments by Kenya.

We are concerned that this could be part of the broader trend of forced renditions in Kenya, including
abduction of Ugandan opposition leader and activist Kizza Besigye, the kidnapping of Turkish
nationals, South Sudanese activists, and Ethiopians, as well as the unresolved disappearances of 36
Ugandans in Kisumu. These incidents continue to undermine Kenya’s image as a haven for democracy
and human rights, while creating fear among political dissidents, refugees, and whistle blowers.
Kenya, as a signatory to international human rights treaties such as the 1951 Refugee Convention
and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), has a heightened obligation to
uphold due process and prevent forced removals. If action is not taken by the state, impunity will
become entrenched hence jeopardizing regional stability and the values enshrined by the
international community and the EAC.

We strongly condemn the Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) and National Police Service
(NPS) for failing to act to prevent these acts as well as failing on their legal and constitutional duty to
protect individuals within its borders.
We, therefore, call upon:
• Kenyan government to reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law by launching an
independent investigation into the incident and ensuring such practices do not become the
norm.
• For full and immediate accountability from the both Kenyan and Tanzanian Government on
this incident.

Signed by
ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa
Constitution and Reform Education Consortium – CRECO
Defenders Coalition
Kenya Human Rights Commission – KHRC
Muslims for Human Rights- MUHURI
Partnerships 4 Empowerment and Networking in Kenya (PEN KENYA)
Independent Medico-Legal Unit – IMLU

lnuka Kenya Ni Sisi!
lnformAction TV Haki Yetu Organization
Initiative for Inclusive Empowerment – IIE

Transparency International – Kenya