Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya has reportedly been abducted by armed men in Kamulu, on the outskirts of Nairobi, sparking concerns over his safety and whereabouts.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International reported that Mwaipaya was allegedly seized at around 2 pm while travelling in a taxi to visit friends in Kamulu, Machakos County.
The suspected abductors were reportedly using three vehicles, one of which was identified as a Toyota Land Cruiser Hardtop.
“Twaha Mwaipaya, a Tanzanian national, was reportedly abducted at around 2 pm today in Kamulu, Machakos County, by individuals travelling in three vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser hardtop. He was travelling by taxi to visit friends," Amnesty International stated.
Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi also confirmed reports of Mwaipaya’s disappearance, saying she was working with relevant human rights organisations to establish his whereabouts.
Sarungi urged Kenyan authorities to intensify security measures along the Kenya-Tanzania border, particularly at the Namanga crossing, and set up checkpoints to help locate the missing activist.
She also appealed to Kenyans to remain vigilant and help prevent the suspected abductors from crossing into Tanzania.
"We appeal to those who can to head to the borders, especially the Namanga border, to ensure that any Toyota Hardtops are inspected. We trust you, our brothers and sisters in Kenya," Sarungi stated.
Mwaipaya is a Tanzanian human rights defender and political commentator who serves as the national mobilisation coordinator for the youth wing of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), known as Baraza la Vijana la CHADEMA (BAVICHA). He has held the position since 2019.
He has advocated for a new constitution to replace Tanzania’s 1977 framework, arguing that the existing document gives the executive excessive powers.
The activist has also spoken out against police brutality, corruption and alleged human rights violations, calling for greater accountability among state institutions.
Mwaipaya has been a vocal critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, accusing it of suppressing dissent and resisting constitutional reforms.
He has also challenged security agencies over alleged abuses and called for reforms to strengthen accountability and protect fundamental rights.
The reported abduction has raised fresh concerns about the safety of activists who challenge government policies and speak out against alleged human rights violations in the region.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of Kenya and Tanzania over alleged attempts to silence government critics, journalists and human rights defenders, fuelling concerns about cross-border repression targeting dissenting voices.
In November 2025, Sarungi was reportedly abducted in Nairobi’s Kilimani neighbourhood and released several hours later. Earlier this year, Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi was reportedly seized in Tanzania before being found in a thicket in Kwale County.
Elsewhere in the region, Uganda has also faced criticism over its record on fundamental rights, with concerns extending beyond political opposition figures such as Bobi Wine and Kizza Besigye to the wider population.
As efforts to trace Mwaipaya continue, attention has turned to Kenyan security agencies and border authorities amid calls to establish his whereabouts and ensure his safe return.
