Tanzanian activist Maria Tsehai recounts ordeal in hands of abductors in Nairobi

Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a Tanzanian activist and online democracy advocate, narrated the details of her abduction and captivity following an incident on Sunday in Nairobi.

Tsehai noted that she was held captive by four individuals who subjected her to physical and emotional distress, including choking and restraining her throughout the ordeal.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, she detailed her harrowing experience, shedding light on the events and pointing fingers at those she suspects were behind her abduction.

She stated that an individual in the front passenger seat of the car she was forced into appeared to be directing the operation.

"The passenger in the front seat was the one who I suspect was behind the abduction plan," Tsehai said. "He was speaking to me in Swahili and even mentioned my name. He always wanted to get my reaction. I suspect he's the one who was actually giving or taking instructions."

Tsehai linked her abduction to the Tanzanian government, expressing that her online activism in the lead-up to the country's elections had made her a target.

"This incident is targeting what I do for Tanzania," she said. "If this was meant to intimidate me, I will not stop. I will not relent."

Her husband, David, described the ordeal as deeply distressing, stating that he had feared for her life. "This has been the worst experience of my life. I didn't know if she was alive or dead," he said.

David also accused the Tanzanian government of orchestrating the abduction.

The activist recounted how her captors demanded access to her phone and other personal devices. Initially refusing to comply, she noted that her abductors forcibly searched her belongings and retrieved her phone. They also demanded her PIN to unlock the device.

"When I refused to give them the PIN, they left the vehicle to have a discussion. When they returned, they informed me that I should be released," she said.

Before her release, the abductors instructed her not to look at them or the vehicle. She was left in a dark area on a rough road without her phone, which they had confiscated.

Tsehai managed to walk to a main road, where she found parked vehicles and approached people for assistance. Using a laptop, she contacted her husband and informed him of her release.

The abduction of Tsehai sparked public outrage in Kenya, with widespread condemnation from activists, human rights organisations, and diplomats.

Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) were among the organisations that decried the incident.

Faith Odhiambo, President of the LSK, called the abduction "unfortunate" and vowed to pursue answers from the relevant authorities.

"This act undermines the safety of activists and their work, which is critical in advancing democracy and human rights," Odhiambo said.

Tsehai expressed gratitude for the support she received from Kenyans and the international community, noting that public pressure likely played a crucial role in her release.

"I thank Kenyans for pushing for my release. Kenya is one of the safest countries in the region," she said.

Despite her ordeal, Tsehai remains resolute in her activism. She emphasised that her work focuses on advocating for democracy and basic human rights in Tanzania, which she asserts are not illegal activities.

"I am not doing anything illegal. I am asking for basic human rights," she said.

Tsehai also highlighted her belief that the abduction was an attempt to access information on her devices and monitor her activities online. She remains undeterred, vowing to continue her fight for democracy and justice.

"This incident will not intimidate me. I will keep advocating for human rights and democracy," she affirmed.