The Rising Concern of Enforced Deportations in Kenya
In a bustling Nairobi suburb, Maria Sarungi, a Tanzanian journalist and activist living in exile, encountered an unsettling incident. A woman wearing a cap entered the spa where Sarungi often relaxed on Sunday afternoons, stared at her intently, and quickly exited. Though initially dismissing the event as inconsequential, Sarungi soon found herself at the center of a harrowing ordeal.
A Startling Abduction Unfolds
Minutes after leaving the spa, armed men abruptly halted Sarungi’s taxi. They dragged her out against her will and thrust her into a black van. Her cries for help echoed through the streets as the vehicle sped away from Nairobi. Sarungi feared she had become another casualty in Kenya’s controversial enforced deportation trend.
Many activists, political dissidents, and asylum seekers have reportedly faced similar abductions over the past year. Some reappear in neighboring African countries or other parts of the globe without undergoing any formal deportation procedures. For instance, 36 Ugandan opposition party members were arrested and deported last July. Additionally, four Turkish asylum seekers were abducted in October and returned to Turkey.
High-Profile Cases Highlight Escalating Tensions
One of the most prominent incidents involved Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye. After attending a book launch in Kenya last November, he vanished only to resurface days later in a Ugandan military prison. His wife claims that Ugandan security operatives smuggled him across the border under cover of darkness. These occurrences sent shockwaves through communities of exiles and activists residing in Kenya.
Sarungi recalls her captors’ relentless questioning during the hours-long ordeal. “I had a sinking feeling and fear they could just disappear me like they have done with other activists,” she stated. Despite their demands, she refused to confirm her identity or divulge her phone’s passcode. Recognizing one captor as Tanzanian, she questioned their intentions, citing her outspoken criticism of the Tanzanian government.
A Journey Into Exile
Sarungi fled Tanzania in 2021 following the shutdown of an independent media group she founded. This prompted her relocation to Kenya. She expresses fear of imprisonment or worse if repatriated, highlighting the escalating human rights violations and disappearances within her homeland.
Social Media and Advocacy Groups Step In
Fortunately, Sarungi’s plight gained rapid attention on social media platforms. A video captured by a passerby depicts a public bus driver attempting to block the van holding her captive. This happened because the driver witnessed her abduction. Her taxi driver also filed a police complaint. Amnesty International swiftly called for roadblocks and the closure of the Kenyan-Tanzanian border.
“My feeling is that it became very difficult for them,” Sarungi remarked. “What they thought would be a smooth transfer became very difficult.” This mounting pressure likely contributed to her release after five hours. With some cash still in her possession, she hailed a taxi home following her captors’ order not to look back.
Transnational Repression: A Growing Threat
Human rights advocates warn of an alarming rise in transnational repression within Kenya. This state-led targeting of refugees, dissidents, and ordinary citizens living abroad poses significant risks. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s East and Southern Africa regional director, emphasizes Kenya’s obligations under international humanitarian law. The country must uphold fair trials and prevent individuals from being returned to perilous situations.
Paula Cristina Roque, executive director of Intelwatch, highlights the detrimental impact these alleged abductions have on Kenya’s reputation as a safe haven. Once considered a sanctuary for people across the continent, Kenya now faces questions about its commitment to protecting exiles and respecting non-interference principles. Roque queries, “Which democracies on the continent would give the same level of protection and non-interference in politics of other countries that Kenya had in the past?”
Seeking Accountability and Justice
Despite reaching out to the Kenya High Commission in London and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment, clarity remains elusive. As concerns mount, ensuring accountability and safeguarding the rights of those vulnerable to such actions becomes paramount. Therefore, the global community must remain vigilant in addressing this growing menace and advocating for justice for all affected individuals.
