LSK and amnesty praise swift rescue of Tanzanian activist

Tanzanian human rights activist Mshabaha Hamza /FILE

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The LSK and Amnesty International have commended the swift action of police officers who intervened on Sunday to rescue Tanzanian rights defender Mshabaha Hamza.

Three suspects were arrested at the scene following intervention by the security personnel from the Lukenya and Kyumbi police posts, alongside DCI Kyumbi and other security agencies.

Police reports indicate there was a struggle, during which the activist managed to escape from a moving vehicle along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway.

Hamza, who has been a vocal critic of the political fallout following the 2025 post-election violence in Tanzania, was reportedly drugged and injured during the encounter.

Authorities reported that when officers reached the scene at Lukenya stage, the victim appeared weak and dizzy, identified himself as Hamza and produced his Tanzanian passport.

"According to documents before the court, officers responded promptly after Hamza resisted his attackers and was dumped at the Lukenya stage, drugged and injured," a joint statement from LSK and Amnesty read.

The quick response from officers ensured the interception of the getaway vehicle and the subsequent arrest of three suspects.

Police confirmed the three remain in custody as investigations continue.

"The decisive action taken by our security agencies yesterday is a testament to the fact that Kenya’s soil must never be used as a playground for lawlessness or a corridor for the illegal transportation of persons across our borders under the guise of security operations," LSK said.

The society indicated it would support efforts to secure justice for Hamza, ensuring the perpetrators and their sponsors are held accountable.

In their statement, they issued three demands, calling for "a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the identities, motives and networks that were waiting for his delivery to the Kenya-Tanzania border."

"We call for accountability not only for the suspects arrested and the immediate arrest of any individuals, whether in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, or elsewhere, who may have planned, financed, or directed the attack.”

The organisations also demanded closer collaboration between human rights groups and Kenyan authorities to protect defenders, particularly those in exile or operating in cross-border contexts.

"Attempts to abduct, harm, or silence activists violate fundamental freedoms across the East African region," they said.

"Kenya must ensure its territory is never used for transnational repression, rendition, or attacks on those exercising their right to defend human rights."

Amnesty executive director Irũngũ Houghton pointed toward the broader implications for regional safety.

"This rescue operation prevents a grave injustice and sends a clear message to those who think they can export repression into Kenya that our institutions are vigilant and will not permit the subversion of the rule of law," he said.

The incident adds to a troubling pattern of cross-border abductions involving Kenyan territory.