Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Kenyan authorities to urgently establish the whereabouts of Tanzanian activist and human rights defender Twaha Salim Mwaipaya, who was reportedly abducted in Kamulu, Nairobi, on October 25.
The rights organisation expressed concern over Mwaipaya’s safety, warning of the risk of a possible unlawful cross-border transfer to Tanzania, where he could face torture or other serious human rights abuses. However, the reported risk of his transfer has not been independently confirmed.
According to Human Rights Watch, Mwaipaya had sought refuge in Kenya after reporting that he had been subjected to torture and threats linked to his activism in Tanzania.
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His disappearance has raised fresh concerns about the safety of human rights defenders and government critics in East Africa, amid reports of abductions and alleged cross-border targeting of activists in the region.
Carine Kaneza Nantulya, Deputy Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, urged Kenyan authorities to act swiftly to locate the missing activist and protect him from further harm.
“Kenyan authorities should urgently establish Twaha Mwaipaya’s whereabouts, protect him from further harm, and ensure that he is not unlawfully transferred to a country where he may face torture or other serious abuses,” she said.
Nantulya also called on Tanzanian authorities to ensure that no attempt was made to return Mwaipaya unlawfully, stressing that both governments had a responsibility to safeguard his rights and personal safety.
She further called for an independent investigation into any suspected involvement in the reported abduction, urging that those found responsible be held accountable.
The case places renewed attention on the protection of activists who seek refuge outside their home countries after reporting threats or abuses linked to their human rights work.
Human Rights Watch said the immediate priority should be to determine Mwaipaya’s whereabouts, establish the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and ensure his protection against any further violations.
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The organisation maintains that the circumstances of the reported abduction require urgent attention from the relevant authorities in both Kenya and Tanzania.
Human Rights Watch continues to document human rights concerns in both countries and has called for accountability where violations are established.
The organisation’s reports on Kenya and Tanzania are available through its official website at www.hrw.org.