Faith Odhiambo.
By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Amnesty International (AI) Kenya have commended security agencies for the rapid rescue of Tanzanian human rights defender Mshabaha Mshabaha Hamza.
The two organizations also expressed support for the apprehension of three individuals connected to what they characterized as a violent, premeditated kidnapping and attempted forced transfer to Tanzania.
In a joint statement released in Nairobi on Monday and co-signed by AI Kenya Section Director Irungu Houghton and LSK President Faith Odhiambo, the groups recognized officers from Lukenya and Kyumbi Police Posts, DCI Kyumbi, and various national and county security agencies for their coordinated operation on Sunday, February 22, which resulted in Hamza’s liberation.
Court documents indicate that police acted promptly after Hamza resisted his assailants and was subsequently abandoned at Lukenya stage while under the influence of drugs and sustaining injuries.
Law enforcement officials intercepted the suspects’ vehicle and apprehended three occupants identified as Edward Mwangi Mwai, a Kenyan residing in South Africa, Nelson Wanjohi Kirika, the driver, and Aziz Hamad, a Tanzanian national.
The statement portrayed Hamza as a prominent Tanzanian human rights activist who has been actively engaged in regional advocacy efforts concerning democracy, accountability, and justice, particularly following the 2025 post-election turmoil in Tanzania.
He is also affiliated with the Pan-African Solidarity Network, a group dedicated to opposing authoritarianism throughout Africa.
Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya stated they welcomed what they described as the decisive action taken by Kenyan authorities to protect Hamza’s life and prevent his involuntary repatriation across the border.
They highlighted that the response demonstrates Kenya’s constitutional and international commitments to protect all individuals within its jurisdiction, particularly human rights defenders who experience elevated threats.
The two organizations called for a comprehensive, transparent, and unbiased inquiry into the identities, motivations, and networks allegedly involved in the attempted kidnapping, including individuals who might have been positioned to receive Hamza at the Kenya-Tanzania border.
They further demanded accountability not only for the suspects already detained but also for any other individuals, whether in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, or elsewhere, who may have orchestrated, financed, or directed the assault.
They encouraged enhanced cooperation between human rights organizations and Kenyan authorities to reinforce protection measures for activists, especially those in exile or operating in cross-border situations.
The statement cautioned that attempts to abduct, harm, or silence activists undermine fundamental freedoms across the East African region and emphasized that Kenya must ensure its territory is not utilized for transnational repression, rendition, or assaults against those exercising their right to defend human rights.
The organizations affirmed they will continue closely monitoring the case while supporting initiatives aimed at achieving justice for Hamza and improving the safety of human rights defenders operating in Kenya and throughout the region.