Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi was detained at the Lunga Lunga Border police post on February 15 following a red notice on his passport.
According to a statement on X by Mwabili on February 16, Mwabili was arrested without being informed of the charges against him.
“On my way to Dar es Salaam on 15th February 2026, I was denied exit out of Kenya at the Lunga Lunga border by the Immigration department due to a Red Notice issued against my passport,” a statement from Mwabili read in part.
The immigration department denied Mwabili’s exit from Kenya because of a red notice issued on his passport in early 2025.
The red notice was issued by Michael Sang of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Kenya, under the Serious Crime Unit at the Mazingira House.
Mwabili explained that the warrant of arrest issued by Michael Sang did not indicate the crime committed or the charges against Mwabili.
According to Mwambili’s latest statement regarding his arrest, the Lunga Lunga DCIO, Mr. Mwaura, informed him that he is to be transferred to Mombasa Port and later to Nairobi.
Public opinions on Mwabili Detention
Mwabili’s detention has raised divided opinions among citizens, with some supporting him and requesting that he be freed.
“Under the CoK 2010, an arrested person has clear, non-derogable rights. Art 49 expressly guarantees that you must be informed promptly, in a language you understand, of the reason for your arrest, may remain silent, communicate with an advocate, and be brought before a …,” Victor Kapkorios explained on the procedure that should be followed in making an arrest.
On the other hand, some criticized Mwabili, stating that the arrest was meant to teach him a lesson.
“After your ordeal in TZ, you still got the guts to go back there?” Laing’o NkanG’A commented.
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Mwabili had experienced a similar incident last year when unknown people abducted him in Tanzania.
He disappeared on July 23, 2025, while using public transport. DCI claimed they could not get involved in locating him as he was out of the country.
Four days later, authorities found Mwabili in Kinondo, Kwale County.
Also Read: DCI Arrest Suspect Accused of Kidnapping a Primary School Headteacher
Constitution of Kenya on the Rights of Arrested Persons.
(1) An arrested person has the right—
(a)to be informed promptly, in a language that the person understands, of—
(i)the reason for the arrest.
(ii)the right to remain silent
and(iii)the consequences of not remaining silent;
(b)to remain silent;
(c) to communicate with an advocate, and other persons whose assistance is necessary;
(d)not to be compelled to make any confession or admission that could be used in evidence against the person.
(e)to be held separately from persons who are serving a sentence;
(f)to be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than—(i)twenty-four hours after being arrested; or
(ii)if the twenty-four hours ends outside ordinary court hours, or on a day that is not an ordinary court day, the end of the next court day;
(g)at the first court appearance, to be charged or informed of the reason for the detention continuing, or to be released; and
(h)to be released on bond or bail, on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons not to be released.
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