A local lobby group, Vocal Africa, has filed a habeas corpus application at the High Court in Kenya, seeking the immediate production of Twaha Mwaipaya, a Tanzanian national who went missing on October 25. According to the petition, Mwaipaya was allegedly abducted in broad daylight at Kamulu, Nairobi County. The lobby group claims that despite efforts to trace him through various police stations, no information on his whereabouts has been forthcoming.
The petition states that Mwaipaya is a known critic of the Tanzanian government with a significant social media following. Vocal Africa argues that there is a real and imminent risk that, unless the court acts swiftly, he will be forcibly transferred to Tanzania, where he could face torture, incommunicado detention, or other human rights violations. The lobby group is seeking a mandatory order for Mwaipaya's production within 24 hours.
Court documents reveal that Mwaipaya was allegedly abducted at Kanisani stage in the Kamulu area. His family members and advocates have not been informed of the reasons for his arrest, the agency responsible for his detention, or the place where he is being held. The petition describes the abductors' modus operandi as using black double cabin vehicles with fake or no number plates, balaclavas, and dark shades, and being armed with pistols and guns.
The lobby group claims that this abduction squad has been responsible for previous enforced disappearances of Kenyans, including Macmillan Kiarie, Evans Otieno, Michael Oloo, and Abdulaziz Duba. Their whereabouts remain unknown. The petition notes that it is concerning that the abduction squad is now targeting foreign nationals, with Mwaipaya being of Tanzanian nationality.
The petition also alleges that the same abduction squad was involved in the abduction of Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye on November 16, 2024. He was forcibly transferred to Uganda, where he is currently in detention facing treason charges. Vocal Africa is seeking a court order to prevent similar harm to Mwaipaya.
The case has raised concerns about the frequency of enforced disappearances in Kenya and the involvement of a seemingly well-organized abduction squad. The court's decision on the habeas corpus application will be crucial in determining Mwaipaya's fate and potentially preventing further human rights abuses.
Key points
- A Kenyan lobby group seeks court intervention to locate a missing Tanzanian activist allegedly abducted by a squad linked to previous enforced disappearances.
- The abduction squad's modus operandi includes using black double cabin vehicles and armed personnel.
- The case raises concerns about the frequency of enforced disappearances in Kenya and the involvement of a well-organized abduction squad.
