Tanzanian human rights activist Ms. Maria Sarungi Tsehai was kidnapped and then released by unknown persons at the end of last week.
In an interview with Kenyan television station NTV, she said she was kidnapped by unknown persons and later released.
News of Ms. Maria’s kidnapping spread from January 12, this year but after several hours, Ms. Maria came forward and said the kidnappers had released her and she is safe.
In an interview with NTV, Ms. Maria said there were four people who kidnapped her and three people got out of the car after kidnapping her and started driving it around while she was in the car with one of the kidnappers.
Ms. Maria said she sees Kenya as more united, cohesive and governed by the rule of law than Tanzania.
“After yesterday’s incident, I think those who have been kidnapped understand that Kenya is safer than other countries. I wish Kenya and Kenyans would understand how their country is better than others,” said Ms. Maria, adding:
“I can say one thing, the thing that makes me feel safer in Kenya than anything else is the unity of Kenyans. When you see people defending you and they don’t know who you are, I was told on social media that people were defending me, as if they knew me”, said Mrs. Maria
She said another thing that makes me feel safer in Kenya compared to Tanzania is the rule of law in Kenya, given the events that happened, I feel very lucky compared to others who were kidnapped.
Chadema Vice Chairman, Tundu Lissu has called on the Kenyan government to intervene in the allegations of activist, Mrs. Maria of her kidnapping reported by Amnesty International. Mrs. Maria fled to Kenya after the 2020 elections.
Mr. Lissu has called on the government and other agencies to intervene and ensure the safety of Mrs. Maria.
