Eyewitnesses in Dar es Salaam have come forward with chilling details about the abduction of Kenyan activist Mwambili Mwagodi.
According to people who were present near a butchery close to the scene, officers believed to be Tanzanian police gave them a direct warning not to release any CCTV footage or video showing how Mwambili was taken.
The police are also said to have collected the CCTV footage soon after the incident happened, making sure no copies could be made. This has raised serious questions about the possible involvement of state authorities in what many are now calling a forced disappearance.
Mwambili, who was known both as a hotelier and a vocal critic of President William Ruto, vanished on the night of Wednesday, July 23. He had just returned to Amani Beach Hotel in Kigamboni, where he worked, before being intercepted by unknown men.
Since that night, he has not been seen or heard from. His sister, Isabella Kituri, who is a well-known media personality, confirmed that the family is deeply worried and has not received any information about his whereabouts.
Mwambili was not just a critic online he was very active in civic movements too. He led campaigns like #CleanTheAltar and #OccupyTheChurch, which criticized politicians for turning churches into platforms for political campaigns.
He also took part in street demonstrations, including those opposing the Finance Bill in Kenya. Because of his bold actions, many believe that his disappearance may not be random.
Human rights groups are now warning that this could be part of a larger pattern of intimidation and attacks on government critics, even outside Kenyan borders.
Earlier this year, other Kenyan activists like Boniface Mwangi were reportedly abducted in Tanzania under suspicious circumstances. The silence from both the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments is only adding to the fear, frustration, and confusion.
Mwambili’s family, friends, and fellow activists continue to call for answers, fearing the worst while hoping for his safe return.
