Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has appealed directly to President William Ruto to intervene in the disappearance of activist Twaha Mwaipaya, who was reportedly abducted in Kenya on October 25.
In a public statement issued on October 26, the party called on Kenyan authorities to trace and locate Mwaipaya, ensure his safety and hold those responsible accountable under the law.
CHADEMA said Mwaipaya, a party member and activist, was reportedly abducted in Kamulu, Machakos County, near Nairobi.
The opposition party urged authorities to establish the activist’s whereabouts and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
“We call upon the relevant authorities to take immediate action to establish his whereabouts, ensure his safety, and hold all those responsible accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The party further warned against acts of abduction and intimidation targeting political leaders and members.
According to CHADEMA, such incidents create fear and threaten the safety and security of citizens.
CHADEMA said all Tanzanians, regardless of political affiliation, are entitled to equal protection under the law.
Ruto Drawn Into Twaha Mwaipaya Disappearance
The strongest appeal in the statement was directed at President Ruto.
CHADEMA called on the Kenyan Head of State, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, to intervene and ensure urgent action is taken.
“Furthermore, we call upon the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, to intervene in this matter and ensure urgent action is taken to trace and locate Twaha Mwaipaya and secure his safe return alive, following his reported abduction on Kenyan soil,” the statement said.
The party also called on Kenyan authorities to intensify efforts to secure Mwaipaya’s safe recovery.
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“We urge the relevant authorities to discharge their duties professionally and accountably, conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, and engage with the Government of Kenya to ensure that Twaha Mwaipaya is found safe and sound,” the statement added.
The statement was signed by CHADEMA Director of Communication and Publicity Brenda Rupia.
Fears of Cross-Border Repression
The disappearance of Twaha Mwaipaya has drawn reactions from legal and human rights organisations beyond Kenya and Tanzania, turning the case into a wider regional concern.
In a statement issued on October 26, the Uganda Law Society condemned Mwaipaya’s reported abduction and linked the case to what it described as a pattern of transnational repression targeting political activists, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders across East Africa.
The lawyers’ body said East African Community countries should not become unsafe for individuals seeking refuge from political persecution in their home countries.
It further warned that enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and intimidation were forcing activists into exile within and outside the region.
“If Tanzania has a case against Twaha Mwaipaya, it should pursue his extradition and afford him due process and a fair trial in accordance with the laws of Kenya,” the society said.
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The statement also referenced previous regional controversies involving opposition figures and dissidents, arguing that authorities should handle any allegations against Mwaipaya through established legal channels rather than unlawful means.
The Uganda Law Society called on the East African Court of Justice, national judiciaries, the African Union, the United Nations and diplomatic missions to speak out on the matter and uphold the rule of law.
Mwaipaya served as national mobilisation coordinator of CHADEMA’s youth wing, Baraza la Vijana la CHADEMA (BAVICHA), from 2019 to 2025.
He has been involved in political activism in Tanzania, advocating constitutional reform, political accountability and human rights.
He has used social media to criticise the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and discuss political developments in Tanzania.
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