Editor's Review

Maria Tsehai was reportedly forcibly taken by the assailants, who arrived in a black Toyota Noah vehicle. 

Tanzanian independent media editor and human rights defender Maria Sarungi Tsehai was reportedly kidnapped by three armed men in Nairobi. 

In a statement on Sunday, January 13, Amnesty Kenya said the kidnapping took place at approximately 3:15 PM outside Chaka Place in Kilimani.

According to reports from Amnesty Kenya, Tsehai was forcibly taken by the assailants, who arrived in a black Toyota Noah vehicle. 

Local authorities and teams have already been dispatched to the scene in an effort to locate and ensure her safe return.

Read More

  1. Tanzanian Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai Narrates Her Abduction Ordeal
  2. President Ruto: Why Tanzania Agriculture Minister Recently Complained About Kenya
  3. Bus Ferrying Tanzanian MPs to Mombasa Involved in Road Accident
File image of Maria Tsehai and Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu

Tsehai is renowned for her advocacy for positive change in Tanzania. 

She founded the online campaign Change Tanzania, which began as the hashtag #changeTanzania on X, encouraging citizens to engage in political and social reforms. 

In addition to her activism, Tsehai has significantly contributed to the fashion industry by supporting young women in achieving their goals. 

She serves as the director of Miss Universe Tanzania. Tsehai earned a degree in Humanities from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary in 1999. 

She possesses expertise in communication, journalism, and the fashion industry and owns a communication company, Compass Communication.

The company has been involved in film projects such as Am Tired and Born on Fire. 

Additionally, she operates an online television channel called Kwanza TV.  

Update 

Tanzanian human rights activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai has been released after she was abducted in Nairobi.

Sarungi promised to reveal more details regarding the ordeal she endured in the hands of her abductors.