‘He was targeted for speaking out’: Activist Mwabili Mwagodi’s family demands justice after abduction
The family of Mwabili Mwagodi, the activist recently found after being abducted in Tanzania, has spoken out about the trauma they’ve endured and is now demanding justice and accountability from the authorities.
Speaking at Pandya Memorial Hospital, where Mwabili is currently receiving treatment, the family—led by his father, Aleck Mwagodi—shared the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on them. They insisted that Mwabili is innocent, targeted only because he spoke out for what he believed in.
“My son is a hardworking man. He was just doing his job. Then, all of a sudden, he was abducted. But God is good—through prayers, he returned home safely,” said Aleck Mwagodi.
He added, “He is now undergoing treatment, and we are hopeful he will recover. We are also grateful to the company he worked for in Tanzania. They have been supportive. Thank you to everyone who stood with us.”
Mwabili, the youngest of five siblings—three girls and two boys—is known for his passion for the church and leadership, his family said.
His mother, Jeslina Mwagodi, broke down as she recalled the agony of not knowing her son’s whereabouts, describing the prolonged trauma the family faced.
“We have suffered so much. Even eating became difficult. Since June last year, we have been traumatised. Two days before Mashujaa Day, five officers from DCI Mwatate came to our home. Their leader was called Odhiambo, another Mbuvi, but we didn’t know the others,” she said.
Mwabili Mwagodi’s sister Isabella Kituri is overcome with emotions as she speaks to journalists at Pandya Memorial Hospital where the activist is admitted. (Photo: Farhiya Husein)
Targeted for his values
Jeslina believes her son was targeted for standing up for the church and Christian values.
“There is no crime in defending the church. My son took a stand, and that’s not a crime. His great-grandfather was a hero of the ACK Church. He was even buried on church land, and a church was built there. That’s why Mwabili has a passion for the church.”
She described the frantic efforts by authorities to locate him last year. “They looked for him everywhere last year—including at home, at church, in Kericho where he worked, in Ukunda. They even sought out his friends. What has my son done wrong?”
Holding back tears, Jeslina spoke of the constant fear she lived with.
“Every night, I had to text him before sleeping. Even at 1 am, I’d ask where he was. I’d only sleep after hearing back. I was so afraid. Now it has come to my doorstep. Children are being abducted and killed. Parents are crying. Now I know how that pain feels.”
Treated like a criminal
She also criticised how her son was returned to Kenya, claiming he was tied up and treated like a criminal.
“He is a whole manager. That’s how they dumped my son back into this country like a poor man, yet he is a rich man. It hurts.”
Jeslina made a direct appeal to President William Ruto, saying her son had been a passionate supporter.
“Mwabili loved Ruto with all his heart. In 2022, we were physically fighting in the house because he was standing with Ruto. He left work on election day, rode all night on a motorbike to make sure he could vote for Ruto. So why is he being treated like this now?”
Plea to leaders
As a teacher of 38 years, she urged leaders to reflect on their actions.
“Any good manager must ask themselves why their people are unhappy. If a child is failing, a teacher must assess themselves. Mr President, our children loved you. Please, stop these abductions.”
She also defended her son’s character and professional reputation.
“Mwabili is an excellent leader and manager. He has worked in several hotels in Kenya and Tanzania. Ask his employers and customers. He is never disappointed, even in school.”
Jeslina appealed to Tanzanian authorities to act impartially.
“Mwabili worked well with you. You should not allow yourselves to be used to hand over my son. If he is here, let him be handled justly. He has done nothing wrong. He simply wants you to improve your services.”
His sister, Isabella Kituri, echoed the family’s concerns.
“We are grateful he is back, but we are deeply concerned about his future. We are simply asking the security apparatus to follow due process. Was there a charge in Tanzania? What happens next in Kenya? We want justice.”
The family maintains that Mwabili’s abduction was entirely unjustified. They say they will not rest until they get answers—and until those responsible are held to account.
Speaking at Pandya Memorial Hospital, where Mwabili is currently receiving treatment, the family—led by his father, Aleck Mwagodi—shared the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on them. They insisted that Mwabili is innocent, targeted only because he spoke out for what he believed in.
“My son is a hardworking man. He was just doing his job. Then, all of a sudden, he was abducted. But God is good—through prayers, he returned home safely,” said Aleck Mwagodi.
He added, “He is now undergoing treatment, and we are hopeful he will recover. We are also grateful to the company he worked for in Tanzania. They have been supportive. Thank you to everyone who stood with us.”
Mwabili, the youngest of five siblings—three girls and two boys—is known for his passion for the church and leadership, his family said.
His mother, Jeslina Mwagodi, broke down as she recalled the agony of not knowing her son’s whereabouts, describing the prolonged trauma the family faced.
“We have suffered so much. Even eating became difficult. Since June last year, we have been traumatised. Two days before Mashujaa Day, five officers from DCI Mwatate came to our home. Their leader was called Odhiambo, another Mbuvi, but we didn’t know the others,” she said.
Mwabili Mwagodi’s sister Isabella Kituri is overcome with emotions as she speaks to journalists at Pandya Memorial Hospital where the activist is admitted. (Photo: Farhiya Husein)Targeted for his values
Jeslina believes her son was targeted for standing up for the church and Christian values.
“There is no crime in defending the church. My son took a stand, and that’s not a crime. His great-grandfather was a hero of the ACK Church. He was even buried on church land, and a church was built there. That’s why Mwabili has a passion for the church.”
She described the frantic efforts by authorities to locate him last year. “They looked for him everywhere last year—including at home, at church, in Kericho where he worked, in Ukunda. They even sought out his friends. What has my son done wrong?”
Holding back tears, Jeslina spoke of the constant fear she lived with.
“Every night, I had to text him before sleeping. Even at 1 am, I’d ask where he was. I’d only sleep after hearing back. I was so afraid. Now it has come to my doorstep. Children are being abducted and killed. Parents are crying. Now I know how that pain feels.”
Treated like a criminal
She also criticised how her son was returned to Kenya, claiming he was tied up and treated like a criminal.
“He is a whole manager. That’s how they dumped my son back into this country like a poor man, yet he is a rich man. It hurts.”
Jeslina made a direct appeal to President William Ruto, saying her son had been a passionate supporter.
“Mwabili loved Ruto with all his heart. In 2022, we were physically fighting in the house because he was standing with Ruto. He left work on election day, rode all night on a motorbike to make sure he could vote for Ruto. So why is he being treated like this now?”
Plea to leaders
As a teacher of 38 years, she urged leaders to reflect on their actions.
“Any good manager must ask themselves why their people are unhappy. If a child is failing, a teacher must assess themselves. Mr President, our children loved you. Please, stop these abductions.”
She also defended her son’s character and professional reputation.
“Mwabili is an excellent leader and manager. He has worked in several hotels in Kenya and Tanzania. Ask his employers and customers. He is never disappointed, even in school.”
Jeslina appealed to Tanzanian authorities to act impartially.
“Mwabili worked well with you. You should not allow yourselves to be used to hand over my son. If he is here, let him be handled justly. He has done nothing wrong. He simply wants you to improve your services.”
His sister, Isabella Kituri, echoed the family’s concerns.
“We are grateful he is back, but we are deeply concerned about his future. We are simply asking the security apparatus to follow due process. Was there a charge in Tanzania? What happens next in Kenya? We want justice.”
The family maintains that Mwabili’s abduction was entirely unjustified. They say they will not rest until they get answers—and until those responsible are held to account.
Abduction
Mwabili Mwagodi
activisst Mwabili Mwagodi
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