Not Our Jurisdiction: DCI Reportedly Rejects Abducted Activist Mwabili Mwagodi’s Case
Shock, fear, and anger have gripped the human rights community after the alleged abduction of Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi in Tanzania. Even more disturbing, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reportedly refused to investigate the matter, citing lack of jurisdiction.
According to Amnesty-Kenya, Mwagodi was forcefully taken by unknown individuals on Wednesday, July 23 in Dar es Salaam, where he had been working in the hospitality industry.
Despite his family’s desperate attempts to trace him, his whereabouts remain unknown. His phone has remained off since the incident.
On Saturday, July 26, Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa, accompanied the family to DCI headquarters to seek official intervention.
“Today, VOCAL Africa accompanied the family of Mwabili to the DCI Kenya to officially ask them to intervene in his matter,” Khalid said.
“So the DCI refused to take up Mwabili’s matter, citing that the matter does not fall within their jurisdiction.”
A screengrab of Isabella Kituri, sister to abducted activist Mwabili Mwagodi, speaking to members of the press on Friday, July 25.
Mwagodi, a fierce anti-corruption campaigner, is best known for launching the controversial “Occupy the Church” campaign. The movement condemned religious institutions for accepting money from politicians with questionable ethics.
His disappearance has stirred outrage among civil rights organizations across East Africa.
In a strong statement released the same day, Amnesty International expressed grave concern over the growing trend of cross-border abductions.
“The safety of human rights defenders must be addressed with urgency and accountability,” Amnesty stated.
“Amnesty International stands with Mwabili’s family, colleagues, and all those acting for justice and human rights in East Africa.”
The organization called on both the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments to urgently disclose Mwagodi’s location and to conduct an open and thorough investigation.
This isn’t an isolated case. Mwabili’s disappearance follows earlier abductions of high-profile activists like Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda. Their cases are currently under review at the East African Court of Justice.
As questions multiply and outrage spreads, activists are demanding answers—not silence.
“We can’t stand by as our colleagues disappear in silence,” Khalid warned.
“The state must protect, not ignore, those who defend justice.”ALSO READ: Police Recover Loaded G3 Rifle Hidden by Employee After Employer Raises Alarm
Not Our Jurisdiction: DCI Reportedly Rejects Abducted Activist Mwabili Mwagodi’s Case
