DIANI: A sigh of relief echoed among the family and human rights circles after Mwabili Mwagodi, who vanished in Tanzania on Wednesday, was found alive and safe on the Kenyan coast.

Mwabili was discovered in a bush in Kinondo, Kwale County, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Confirming the breakthrough, Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa and a prominent human rights defender, stated, “Mwabili was dropped in a bush in Kinondo, Kwale County, around 3 am, where he walked for about 3kms to Diani. While in Diani, he managed to call his family, who alerted us, and we sent our officers immediately.”

Upon reaching Diani, Mwabili took himself to the local police station.

Authorities at the Diani police station attempted to detain him, however, a swift intervention by Vocal Africa and MUHURI Kenya officers proved crucial, leading to his prompt release.

Mwabili is currently receiving a medical check-up at a hospital in Mombasa. Plans are underway for him to reunite with his family in Nairobi as soon as he is cleared.

This development brings a glimmer of hope after days of agonizing uncertainty for Mwabili’s family, friends, and the broader human rights community.

His disappearance had raised serious concerns, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by activists working in the region.

The circumstances surrounding his disappearance in Tanzania and his subsequent “dumping” in Kenya remain under investigation, underscoring the vital role of human rights organizations in safeguarding those who speak truth to power.