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Kenyan President William Ruto has issued a formal apology to the government and people of Tanzania following the controversial deportation of Tanzanian political activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai from Nairobi. The incident, which took place in January 2025, has sparked a wave of criticism from human rights organizations, civil society groups, and the general public across East Africa, with many calling for accountability and transparency.
Maria Sarungi, a well-known human rights defender and outspoken critic of the Tanzanian government, had been living in Kenya since 2020. She sought refuge there after facing alleged political persecution under the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Sarungi is widely recognized for her advocacy work on freedom of expression, women’s rights, and democratic governance in Tanzania. Her presence in Kenya was seen by many as a symbol of the country’s reputation as a safe haven for political exiles in the region.
However, on January 12, 2025, Sarungi was abducted in broad daylight from the Kilimani area of Nairobi by unidentified men believed to be plainclothes security agents. According to her personal testimony and media reports, she was physically assaulted, choked, and forced into a vehicle. Her assailants reportedly demanded her phone and laptop while threatening her. Hours later, she was deported back to Tanzania under unclear circumstances, without being formally charged or presented before a court of law.
The incident quickly drew outrage. Organizations such as Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya condemned the abduction and deportation, labeling it a violation of both Kenyan law and international human rights standards. Many described the incident as a case of “transnational repression,” where authoritarian states use cross-border tactics to silence critics living in exile. The abduction raised serious concerns about Kenya’s commitment to the rule of law and its responsibility to protect asylum seekers and political refugees.
In response to mounting pressure, President William Ruto addressed the matter publicly in a press briefing, acknowledging that the deportation of Maria Sarungi was mishandled and did not meet Kenya’s legal or moral standards. He issued an official apology to the government of Tanzania and to the activist herself. “Kenya has a proud tradition of hosting and protecting individuals fleeing political persecution. What happened to Ms. Sarungi does not reflect our values or our commitment to human rights,” Ruto stated.
President Ruto further announced that an independent investigation has been launched to uncover the truth behind the abduction and deportation. He promised that those responsible, whether state or non-state actors, would be held accountable. The president also reassured the public and the international community that Kenya remains a safe space for activists, dissidents, and those seeking refuge from political oppression.
The Tanzanian government, which had remained largely silent in the early stages of the controversy, welcomed the apology. In a brief statement, officials in Dodoma acknowledged the Kenyan government’s commitment to resolving the issue and expressed hope that such incidents would not undermine the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
The apology has been viewed by many as a positive step toward restoring diplomatic ties and reinforcing human rights norms in the region. Nonetheless, human rights advocates insist that justice must follow words. They are urging Kenyan authorities to not only investigate but also implement stronger legal protections for exiled activists and ensure Kenya’s obligations under international asylum laws are fully met.
As East Africa continues to grapple with challenges related to governance, political dissent, and cross-border security cooperation, the case of Maria Sarungi remains a cautionary tale. It underscores the need for vigilance, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to human rights and democratic principles in the region. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Kenya’s government follows through on its promises and whether regional leaders are willing to protect not punish those who speak truth to power.
