Mbeya/Dar. Political activist, Mdude Nyagali, popular known as ‘MdudeChadema’ says he attempted to escape to Kenya to escape death threats he believes were owing to his work.
Mdude who is recuperating in hospital following a five-day ordeal under the arms of unknown kidnappers, says he had come under constant threats and feared for his life.
He plotted an escape to Kenya but turned back on the way after realising he was running away from a problem that needed him to resolve. “I therefore changed my mind while on the way to the neighbouring country,” he said in an interview at Mbeya Referral Hospital.
Mdude was found dumped and in bad shape at Inyala village in Mbeya Municipality.
He was abducted on May 4, from his office in Mbozi District and taken to an unknown location. It was the second time that he was being abducted and tortured by assailants over unspecified reasons.
Police say the latest incident is being investigated.
“The challenge is that [Mdude Nyagali] he is not telling us what exactly happened” said the Songwe Regional Police Commander George Kyando when contacted by Mwananchi.
He recounted the story of threats that he had been facing before his recent predicament.
“There was a time I faced ups and downs…I had many court cases. I thought of seeking refuge in another country. I was assisted by Ubungo Major Boniface Jacob (Chadema) and John Heche (Tarime Rural MP) to make arrangements to escape to Kenya.”
“I travelled all the way to Arusha but later I listened to my conscience and felt as though I was betraying Tanzanians. I thought most people would lose hope if I run away. I had to remain in my country and entrust myself to God.”
Veteran journalist Ansbert Ngurumo in March last year fled to Finland due to what he described as “death threats” from unknown people.
Mr Nyagali is a vocal critic of the government.
Nyagali as a young person who is passionate about his country. “I believe he was attacked and beaten on those grounds,’’ says Mbilinyi ak.a Sugu.
