Remaining Silent About Abductions Is Recklessly Endangering the Safety of Your Own Relatives

Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala

The issue of several people being abducted, and even an attempt to abduct the brother of Humphrey Polepole while abroad, has been taken very seriously by Mwanakwetu. This is because the Polepole family has already suffered at the hands of abductors, and many Tanzanian families are crying the same cry, shedding the same tears—who will wipe them away?

While the Polepole family cannot remain silent as their relative’s whereabouts are unknown, well-intentioned Tanzanians also cannot stay silent. They must speak out no matter what. Whether it is theirs or ours, we must struggle so that Polepole’s relative is found, and so that this cruelty by evil people who seek to harm Humphrey Polepole’s brother is confronted decisively—so that it does not happen, and that Humphrey is found, alive or dead.

What is most distressing is this: although Tanzania has state security organs, it is evident that they have shown weakness.

Mwanakwetu believes this weakness is very dangerous, especially for those holding positions such as Minister of Defense, Minister of Home Affairs, and leaders of these institutions, while these incidents occur at national, regional, district, divisional, and ward levels.

Dear reader, let me go further—even to Village/Street Security Committees. Do you know these committees?

“It is possible to live in a village or neighborhood without knowing that there is a Security and Safety Committee in that area, which knows both good and bad individuals, and must be aware of events occurring there—whether good or bad—when required to explain them.”

Therefore, from the Inspector General of Police at the national level down to village/street level, there are our fellow citizens who know a great deal due to the authority we legally grant them.

Certainly, today, tomorrow, or the day after, Tanzanians have people to question—and those questions must be answered—from village level up to the nation. Unless God decides to take these individuals away before answers are given, but even then, questions remain—better they are answered here on earth.

Tanzanians have a major weakness: we are very eager to accept positions and their benefits with both hands, but when disaster strikes, accountability disappears, and hearts become hardened like someone afflicted with severe illness.

Indeed, Tanzanians have witnessed abductions both within the country and abroad.

What is painful is that such illegal operations often fail outside Tanzania’s borders:

“Refer to the abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehal and her later rescue by Kenyan security forces on January 12, 2025. Also refer to the abduction of Hamza Mshabaha in Machakos on February 22, 2026, where the attempt failed after Kenyan security forces arrested suspects—including both Kenyans and Tanzanians—and brought them to court.”

Strangely, both incidents occurred early in their respective years. Do you and I know who is next on the list?

To my colleagues who studied law, let me remind you of something called a moot court.

Imagine we are in court: a former Inspector General of Police is being questioned before a judge about these incidents.

“These abductions occurred within Tanzania and beyond its borders. There is ample evidence and statistics. The question is: why do abductions inside Tanzania appear to succeed without obstacles, despite your responsibility to prevent them, combat perpetrators, investigate, and bring them to justice?”

Dear reader, Mwanakwetu has not studied law but has observed others who have. I urge law instructors to conduct a moot court on this matter and share the proceedings and judgment—I will publish it, considering Tanzania’s Penal Code.

The mention of Sega Igenge as the alleged leader of an abduction gang abroad has deeply troubled Mwanakwetu, raising many questions:

“Sega Igenge once told me she worked at a tourist hotel in Zanzibar. Was this deception? While studying at Tumaini University Iringa, she was active on social media—why did she suddenly disappear after completing her MBA? Many Tanzanian youths pursue postgraduate studies after employment, especially in government jobs, for salary advancement. Rarely do private sector jobs like hotels or entertainment venues require such education. So was she a public servant or private employee? If public, was the degree for career advancement—or was there something else behind the scenes?”

These are questions Mwanakwetu raises.

In her doctoral research titled ‘Transformational Leadership and Innovation: The Role of Gender, she writes acknowledgments thanking the Maseko family and others who supported her.

Mwanakwetu insists: Sega Igenge is a real person who lived among people—she should come forward and respond. Silence is dangerous and damages her family’s reputation.

What does Mwanakwetu say today?

“Abductors consider the relationship between countries—they may use legal agreements like extradition, or illegal means such as kidnapping, smuggling victims across borders, drugging them, or even killing them during the process.”

Examples exist in Kenya and Tanzania:

“James Aggrey Bob Orengo, a Kenyan politician, was arrested in Tanzania in 1982 after fleeing accusations of attempting to overthrow Daniel Moi’s government. He was transported back to Kenya and handed over to security forces.”

Another example:

“Lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Nelson Havi stated on February 7, 2018, that Miguna Miguna was forcibly placed on a KLM flight and deported to Canada, calling it a serious human rights violation.”

Despite international laws against abduction and human trafficking, such incidents continue.

“The key issue is vigilance by those responsible for enforcing these laws. If your fellow citizen is abducted and you remain silent, fold your arms, or even participate—you may feel safe now, but are your family members safe everywhere they go? Even those who send you—if they turn against you, will you be safe? Failing to address abductions is recklessly putting your own relatives at risk.”

To Sega Igenge, wherever you are, remember your own words of gratitude to the Maseko family during your research. If they had harmed you back then, would you be safe today? Come forward and respond.