Human rights activist Mwabili Mwagodi has eventually recorded a formal statement at Diani Police Station in Kwale County, following an earlier failed attempt to do so at Mombasa Central Police Station.
This comes after Mwabili was reportedly abducted in neighbouring Tanzania and later found dumped in the Kinondo area of Kwale, sparking outrage among rights groups and calls for accountability.
The case was officially registered under OB number 37/02/08/2025 at Diani Police Station.
Mwabili was accompanied by representatives from rights organisations, including Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), Haki Africa, and VOCAL Africa, who condemned the treatment he allegedly received while in Tanzanian custody.
"We are grateful that the Diani Police eventually received us after a lengthy standoff. We have now recorded a statement, but beyond that, we demand justice. Those who kidnapped and brutalised Mwabili must be brought before a court of law. The Kenyan government must not just send us to police stations; we need action," Francis Auma, a Rapid Response Officer with MUHURI, said.
His sentiments were echoed by Haki Africa’s Rapid Response Officer Mathias Shipeta, who insisted the statement must result in concrete steps.
"We hope the statement and OB issued will lead to justice. We expect action to be taken and compensation given to the family. What Mwabili went through is deeply troubling; he was tortured and treated inhumanely. We are still waiting for accountability, even in the case of Boniface Mwangi," he said.
Walid Sketty, another human rights defender, criticised both governments, noting, "This entire ordeal goes against both Kenyan and international laws. The Tanzanian authorities cannot be absolved of responsibility. Mwabili is a Kenyan citizen, and while in Tanzania, he was entitled to protection under universal human rights laws. We believe justice will ultimately prevail for Mwabili and others, including Boniface Mwangi."
VOCAL Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid also condemned the conduct of officers at Mombasa Central Police Station for allegedly refusing to register Mwabili’s complaint. He confirmed that his organisation, alongside MUHURI and Haki Africa, had accompanied Mwabili and his family to file the report.
"We were stunned when officers declined to issue an OB number or take the complaint seriously. This kind of negligence not only undermines justice but emboldens perpetrators of such acts," Hussein said.
Human rights groups have vowed to pursue the matter further until those responsible are held accountable.
