Tanzania’s opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) has condemned the reported abduction of one of its members in Kamulu, Machakos County, and appealed to President William Ruto to intervene in efforts to secure his release.
In a public statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, CHADEMA identified the missing member as Twaha Mwaipaya, a Tanzanian national and political activist who was reportedly abducted on Sunday, October 25, in Kamulu, Nairobi County.
The party called on Kenyan authorities to establish his whereabouts, ensure his safety and bring those responsible to account in accordance with the law.
CHADEMA said the reported incident was part of a broader pattern of abductions and intimidation targeting its leaders and members, warning that such incidents create fear and threaten the safety and security of citizens.
The opposition party urged the police and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and work with the Tanzanian government to establish Mwaipaya’s whereabouts and secure his safe return.
It also called on President Ruto, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, to intervene and ensure urgent action is taken to trace the missing activist.
The party maintained that the protection of human rights, public safety and the rule of law were fundamental to a democratic society, arguing that no individual should be threatened or abducted because of their political beliefs or affiliation.
CHADEMA further urged Kenyan authorities to discharge their duties professionally and without political discrimination, saying Tanzanian opposition members were entitled to the same protection under the law as other citizens.
The reported abduction comes amid heightened scrutiny of the treatment of opposition figures and political activists in Tanzania, where CHADEMA has repeatedly raised concerns about restrictions on political activity and the safety of its members.
However, details surrounding Mwaipaya’s reported abduction, including the circumstances of the incident and the identity of those responsible, were not provided in the statement.
It was also not immediately clear whether Kenyan police had opened a formal investigation or issued an official update on efforts to locate the activist.
CHADEMA’s Director of Communication and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, signed the statement, calling for a coordinated response between the relevant authorities in Kenya and Tanzania to ensure Mwaipaya is found safe and sound.
