Activist Mwabili Mwagodi Vanishes in Tanzania – Kenyan DCI Says “Not Our Problem” as Public Outrage Grows

The disappearance of Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi has triggered public alarm and growing frustration after Kenya’s top investigative agency, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), reportedly refused to step in, claiming that the case is “outside their jurisdiction.” 

Mwagodi was allegedly abducted on July 23, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, according to Amnesty International Kenya. Known for his bold online activism and as the face behind the “Occupy the Church” campaign, Mwabili often challenged religious institutions that accepted questionable political donations. 

At the time of his abduction, Mwabili was living and working in Tanzania for a hospitality company. Since his disappearance, his phone has remained unreachable, and no one has heard from him. 

On Saturday, July 26, VOCAL Africa, a human rights group, accompanied Mwabili’s family to DCI headquarters in Nairobi to request action. But according to VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, the response was a cold shoulder. 

“The DCI told us they cannot take up Mwabili’s matter because it does not fall under their jurisdiction,” Khalid said. “We’ve also reported the case to the police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” 

The refusal to act has left Mwabili’s family in distress and activists across East Africa angry and confused. They argue that DCI’s inaction sends a dangerous message: Kenyan lives abroad don’t matter. 

Many are questioning the Kenyan government’s silence and are demanding that authorities take responsibility in protecting its citizens, regardless of borders. 

Amnesty International released a powerful statement expressing “deep concern” over Mwabili’s disappearance, warning that this case is part of a worrying trend of repression against outspoken voices in the region. 

“This is not just about one activist, it’s about a growing pattern of fear and silence across East Africa,” Amnesty warned. “The safety of human rights defenders must be addressed urgently. We stand with Mwabili’s family and all defenders of justice.” 

In the same statement, Amnesty called on both Kenya and Tanzania to immediately reveal Mwabili’s whereabouts and ensure a transparent and independent investigation is launched without delay. 

Mwabili’s case comes in the wake of similar incidents, including the reported abductions of Kenyan photojournalist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, both of whom had been investigating sensitive political matters before they were allegedly seized. Their case is now before the East African Court of Justice. 

For many, these disappearances are no longer isolated events. They symbolize the shrinking civic space in East Africa and a troubling collaboration, or at least silent tolerance, between governments when it comes to suppressing dissent. 

Public anger is growing online, with hashtags like #WhereIsMwabili, #JusticeForMwabili, and #ProtectActivists trending across social platforms. Youth groups, civil society organizations, and fellow activists are demanding accountability, transparency, and cross-border cooperation. 

Legal experts have also chimed in, saying that while DCI may be technically right about jurisdiction, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General’s office can and should intervene. 

“This is a matter of human rights, not borders,” said a Nairobi-based human rights lawyer. “The government has a duty to protect its citizens abroad, especially when their lives are in danger.” 

Meanwhile, Mwabili’s family remains in emotional turmoil, holding on to hope but devastated by the silence from authorities. 

“He was only speaking up for the truth. Is that a crime?” one family member asked through tears. 

Human rights groups are now urging urgent diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Tanzania. They argue that failure to act now will only embolden future abuses. 

As time ticks on with no official updates, Mwabili’s fate remains unknown. But what is clear is that his voice lives on, in the streets, on social media, and in the fight for a freer East Africa.