MOMBASA County—Feb 16, 2026—Human rights defenders in Mombasa have condemned the arrest and continued detention of Mwabili Mwagodi, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
Mwagodi was reportedly arrested on Sunday at the Lunga Lunga Border Post while attempting to cross into Tanzania. He was initially detained at Lunga Lunga Police Station before being transferred to Bandari Police Station, according to reports from his colleagues.
Human rights defenders drawn from the Coast region faulted security agencies for what they termed as repeated harassment and failure to formally charge the activist in court.
Speaking in Mombasa, Vocal Africa Coast regional officer, Wallid Sketty criticised what he described as a pattern of intimidation against outspoken activists.
“It is unacceptable that Mwabili is being arrested again without being presented before a court of law. If there are allegations against him, they must be tabled formally,” Sketty said.
Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), Rapid Response Officer, Francis Auma also questioned the legality of the detention, arguing that repeated arrests without prosecution undermine constitutional protections and due process.
She Rises Organisation Executive Director Salma Hemed warned that the incident reflects what activists describe as shrinking civic space in the region.
The lobby groups further expressed concern over what they termed as growing cooperation among security agencies in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, alleging that cross-border actions have increasingly disregarded constitutional safeguards and human rights standards.
They insisted that authorities must either formally charge Mwagodi or release him unconditionally.
This is not the first time Mwagodi has found himself in controversial circumstances.
On July 23, 2025, he was reportedly arrested in Dar es Salaam under unclear circumstances. Four days later, he was found abandoned in Kinondo, Kwale County. Fellow activists said he appeared physically weak and was rushed to hospital before later being reunited with his family.
His latest arrest on Sunday saw him detained at Lunga Lunga Police Station before being transferred to Mombasa, where he is now reportedly being held at Bandari Police Station.
By the time of publication, security agencies had not publicly detailed the specific charges, if any, facing the activist.
