A BBC journalist on July 25 made an emotional appeal to the public and authorities after her brother, Mwabili Mwagodi, was allegedly abducted under unclear circumstances in Tanzania.
Speaking to the press, Isabella Kituri was overwhelmed with emotions as she called for justice and demanded to know her brother’s whereabouts.
Mwabili, a well-known civic activist, went missing on Wednesday, July 24, 2025. The family was informed of his disappearance at around 5 p.m. by individuals concerned about his safety.
According to Isabella Kituri, those who raised the alarm cited Mwabili’s recent social media activity and civic engagement as possible reasons behind his abduction.
Isabella Kituri raises her concerns
“They told us he’s missing, and they are concerned, and they had already reported the matter and obtained an OB number,” Isabella Kituri said during a press briefing.
The family immediately began reaching out to friends, colleagues, and organisations that could assist in tracing him. Civil society group Vocal Africa joined the efforts to raise awareness.
Isabella Kituri said the aim is to ensure those responsible for holding him know the matter is now public and that they will be held accountable.
She defended her brother’s actions, stating that he was only performing his civic duty as a law-abiding Kenyan citizen.
“If there’s anything else, it should be dealt with through the legal justice system. It should be transparent,” she said.
Kituri calls for legal justice
Isabella Kituri urged the Kenyan government to act swiftly and engage the proper legal channels to resolve the issue.
“I’m asking the government to follow due legal protocols. If this is criminal, then there must be accountability,” she stated.
Mwabili is recognised for his involvement in civic education and community activism. His disappearance has drawn concern from human rights groups across the region.
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This comes after a human Rights Activist and Vocal Africa CEO, Hussein Khalid, shared publicly on July 24 that Mwagodi’s family informed him of his abduction.
In a statement, Khalid said the activist was abducted on Wednesday, July 24, 2025.
Mwabili’s disappearance
“A Kenyan has been abducted in Tanzania. Again. Family has confirmed that Mwabili Mwagodi, who is a Kenyan activist and was vocal against church donations, was abducted in Tanzania on Wednesday,” Khalid said.
Khalid criticized Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu for the recent arrest of Kenyan activists.
“It seems President Suluhu and her government are working around the clock to target Kenyan activists,” he said.
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He also attached a screenshot of a message sent to him by Isabella Kituri, who identified herself as Mwagodi’s sister.
Isabella said Mwagodi works for Amani Beach hotel in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
She said Mwagodi said they have been unable to reach him since Wednesday night.
“Hello Hussein, My brother Mwabili Mwagodi on twitter TL Elder is missing since last night in Dar E Salaam. We are unable to reach him,” Isabella said.
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