The family of activist Mwabili Mwagodi, a Kenyan reportedly abducted in Tanzania, was on Saturday, July 26 turned away at Kilimani Police Station, where they had gone to record a statement about his disappearance.
Accompanied by their lawyer Njanja Maina and human rights activists, the family is seeking answers following his disappearance three days ago.
According to Njanja, the family was advised at Kileleshwa Police Station to record a statement at Kilimani DCIO being the County Headquarters, after that they will refer them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Unfortunately things took a different twist when they turned up at Kilimani DCIO on Saturday Morning.
”Our concern is that, when we have come here they have told us that they do not have jurisdiction and authority to take statements from the family, and that is very weird for us because it is procedural, because we are not asking them to investigate the matter individually,” Njanja said.
The lawyer has questioned why the police could not record statements about a Kenyan who went missing in another country.
”Mwabili was reported missing in Tanzania. We do not understand why they will not record statements, yet he is a Kenyan citizen and they have recorded him missing,” she said.
Odhiambo Ojiro of Vocal Africa said, ”Mwabili needs to be returned to his family soon.” He has also questioned the silence of the government over the activist’s alleged abduction.
Mwabili’s sister, Isabella Kituri, asked the government to take action so his brother can come home to his family.
”It is frustrating to his family, his children and it is even more frustrating to our elderly parents,” she said.
Njanja said the family will continue to follow up on the disappearance of it’s kin hoping he will turn up soon.
Amnesty international
Meanwhile, the Amnesty International Kenya has expressed concern over the issue, calling on the governments of Kenya and Tanzania to immediately disclose the whereabouts of Mwabili, and ensure his safety.
Amnesty is also calling on the two governments to commence independent and transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
“End the harassment and targeting of human rights defenders across East Africa… Uphold regional and international human rights obligations, including the right to freedom of expression, movement, and protection from enforced disappearance,” Amnesty implores the two governments.
Amnesty adds: “Mwabili Mwagodi’s activism is not a crime. His disappearance, however, is. As a grave violation of human rights it must be addressed with urgency and accountability. Amnesty International stands in solidarity with Mwabili’s family, colleagues, and all those acting for justice and human rights in East Africa.”
