Rights groups demand apology over harassment of activist Mwabili Mwagodi

Activist Mwabili Mwagodi was dumped at Kinondo area near Diani after an exchange with Tanzanian authorities at the Lunga Lunga border.[Tobias Chanji]

The Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya (PRWG-K) has condemned the enforced disappearance, incommunicado detention, and harassment of Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi in Tanzania.

In a statement on Sunday, the working group demanded apology by the National police service for the harassment of the activist at Diani police station.

Mwabili, known for his bold criticism against the current regime was abducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 23 July 2025.

He was later abandoned in a bush in Kinondo, Kwale County, around 3 a.m. on July 27, 2025.

The activist walked three kilometres to report the matter at Diani police station but was met with threats of arrest and fresh detention.

The police working group has demanded "transparent and independent investigation into the officers' conduct, with disciplinary action where necessary."

They also demand for a formal statement from Kenyan government outlining measures to protect human rights defenders from unlawful detention, cross-border targeting, and enforced disappearances.

"We demand joint commitment by the Governments of Kenya and Tanzania to end incommunicado detentions and suppression of peaceful civic dissent. Mwabili's case is not unique,"the reforms group stated.

The group noted that the harassment reflects a growing disregard for constitutional rights and a dangerous tolerance for transnational repression expressed by police abuse and impunity.

Lawfully,police officers are obligated to uphold integrity, avoid torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and ensure the safety and dignity of every person.

"These laws are not optional; they are binding obligations that law enforcement must uphold without exception," they noted.

PRWG-K has call on authorities in both Kenya and Tanzania to act before impunity becomes the norm and justice becomes the exception.