Activist Mwabili Mwagodi Arrested at Kenya–Tanzania Border on DCI’s Red Notice
Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi is reportedly in police custody at Lunga Lunga after immigration officers blocked him from leaving the country on Sunday, February 15, in a case linked to a security alert issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The activist disclosed the incident through his official social media account on Monday, stating he had been travelling to Dar es Salaam when authorities intercepted him at the border crossing.
According to Mwagodi, immigration officers flagged his passport due to a Red Notice allegedly issued in early 2025 by a DCI officer attached to the Serious Crimes Unit at Mazingira House along Kiambu Road.
In his statement, he said “On my way to Dar es Salaam on 15th February 2026, I was denied exit out of Kenya at Lunga Lunga border by the Immigration department due to a Red Notice issued against my passport around Jan/Feb 2025 by a DCI officer – Serious Crimes Unit at Mazingira House on Kiambu Road.”
He further claimed the warrant did not specify the offence he was suspected of committing.
Mwagodi added “The officer issued the warrant of arrest but did not indicate the crime I committed and/or what I am to be charged with.”
According to the activist, local police informed him they were awaiting direction from the DCI headquarters.
He stated “I was handed over to DCI – Lunga Lunga border police post, and they are waiting for instructions from Mazingira House on what I am being detained for, and what they should do with me.”
He also described a visit by officers the following morning.
Mwagodi said “The OCS and DCI officer I am under the custody of visited morning of 16/02 in my jail cell and informed me that they are still waiting for instructions from DCI Mazingira House on what to do with me.”
Efforts by journalists to obtain immediate confirmation or clarification from the DCI regarding the claims were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
Security analysts note that Red Notices and travel alerts are typically issued to restrict movement of persons required for investigations, questioning, or court proceedings. However, authorities generally disclose charges once formal processing begins.
Legal experts say detentions linked to cross-border alerts often involve coordination between immigration and investigative agencies to verify identity, review warrants, and determine jurisdiction before a suspect is formally charged.
The incident has sparked discussion online, with supporters calling for clarification of the allegations and authorities yet to publicly outline the basis of the travel restriction.
As of Monday evening, Mwagodi remained in custody at Lunga Lunga while awaiting communication from investigative headquarters.
Police have not announced a timeline for possible arraignment in court.
ALSO READ: Missing Malindi Child Found at Kenya-Tanzania Border in Dramatic Rescue
Activist Mwabili Mwagodi Arrested at Kenya–Tanzania Border on DCI’s Red Notice
