Missing Kenyan Activist Mwabili Mwagodi Rescued in Kwale After Tanzania Ordeal

Kwale, Kenya – Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi, who went missing in Tanzania under mysterious circumstances, has been found alive in Kwale County.

Abandoned in a Bush, Walked to Safety

According to a statement released on Sunday, July 27, by Vocal Africa CEO and human rights campaigner Hussein Khalid, Mwabili was dumped in a bush near Kinondo, a remote area in Kwale, around 3 a.m. He reportedly walked nearly 3 kilometers to Diani, where he managed to contact his family.

“Mwabili was dropped in a bush in Kinondo, Kwale County, around 3 a.m., where he walked about three kilometers to Diani. He then called his family, who notified us. Our officers immediately mobilized to assist him,” said Khalid.

Attempted Detention at Diani Police Station

Upon arriving in Diani, Mwabili voluntarily reported to the Diani Police Station. However, police officers allegedly attempted to detain him. The activist was only released after swift intervention by Vocal Africa representatives.

“While in Diani, Mwabili voluntarily took himself to the police station, but surprisingly, officers attempted to detain him. Thanks to our team’s intervention, he was promptly released,” added Khalid.

Medical Check-Up and Family Reunion

Shortly after his release, the activist was taken to Pandya Hospital in Mombasa for medical evaluation. Plans are underway to fly him to Nairobi to reunite with his family.

Mystery Surrounds Disappearance in Tanzania

Mwagodi, known for his outspoken criticism of church donations and religious exploitation, had been working at Amani Beach Hotel in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, when he went missing on Wednesday, July 23.

His sister, Issabella Kituri, revealed that his employer tried to file a missing person’s report, but Tanzanian authorities instructed them to wait 24 hours before any action could be taken.

Concerns Over Tanzanian Government’s Role

In a prior statement on Friday, July 5, Hussein Khalid accused the Tanzanian government, under President Samia Suluhu, of targeting Kenyan activists.

“A Kenyan has been abducted in Tanzania. Again. The family confirmed that Mwabili Mwagodi, a vocal critic of church donations, was taken on Wednesday. It seems Suluhu Samia and her government are targeting Kenyan activists,” Khalid said.

Authorities and human rights groups continue to call for transparency and accountability in cross-border incidents involving activists.

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