The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has called on the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments to urgently establish the whereabouts of Tanzanian national Twaha Mwaipaya, who is allegedly being abducted in Kenya.
In a statement dated October 26, 2026, THRDC said it had received reports of Mwaipaya’s alleged abduction on October 25 but had yet to obtain official information confirming his whereabouts or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The rights organisation expressed concern over the lack of official communication, warning that the uncertainty was causing anxiety among Mwaipaya’s family and the wider public.
According to THRDC, preliminary media reports indicated that unidentified individuals had allegedly pursued Mwaipaya from October 25, forcing him to move between different locations in Nairobi before heading towards a rural area, where contact with him was reportedly lost.
The organisation said the circumstances surrounding the incident warranted urgent investigations to establish what happened and provide credible information to his family and the public.
THRDC further noted that, as of October 26, two days after the alleged incident was first reported, it had not received an official account from the relevant Kenyan authorities. The organisation also said the Tanzanian High Commission in Kenya had indicated that efforts to establish Mwaipaya’s whereabouts were ongoing.
Calls for investigations and consular intervention
THRDC has urged the Kenyan government to launch immediate, impartial and effective investigations into the alleged abduction and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It also called on the Tanzanian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi, to intensify cooperation with Kenyan authorities and keep Mwaipaya’s family informed.
The organisation emphasised that any person taken into custody must be treated in accordance with the law, informed of the reasons for their arrest, granted access to legal representation and medical assistance where necessary, and allowed to communicate with their family.
THRDC also urged authorities to ensure that any detention is lawful and that the individual is presented before a court within the legally prescribed period.
Rights group cites constitutional and international protections
The organisation cited Articles 21(1), 26 and 29 of Kenya’s Constitution, which address the protection of fundamental rights, the rule of law and freedom from arbitrary deprivation of liberty and other forms of abuse.
It also referred to Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs Policy of 2001, as revised in 2024, which emphasises the protection of Tanzanian citizens abroad.
THRDC further cited the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, which provide frameworks for diplomatic and consular engagement, including assistance to nationals abroad.
In its concluding remarks, the organisation called on both governments to cooperate in establishing Mwaipaya’s whereabouts and ensuring his safety.
“Our priority is to establish the whereabouts of Twaha Mwaipaya, ensure his safety and protect his rights, while ensuring that all legal procedures are followed,” the organisation said in its statement.
The statement was signed by Onésmo Olengurumwa, THRDC’s National Coordinator.
The alleged abduction comes amid growing concern over the safety of individuals and the need for authorities to provide timely, verified information in cases involving missing persons.
