Activist Mwabili Mwagodi says he is being transferred from the Coast to Nairobi after being detained at the Kenya–Tanzania border over what he describes as an unexplained “Red Notice” linked to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In a statement posted on X, Mwagodi said the Lunga Lunga Sub-County criminal investigations officer had informed him of his impending transfer.
“Lunga Lunga DCIO Mr. Mwaura has informed me that he is transferring me to Mombasa Port Police where I am to be picked up by DCI from Mazingira House who are to move me to Nairobi,” he wrote.
“Red Notice handover from Immigrations department to DCI Lunga Lunga. Michael Sang of DCI Mazingira House has not specified why he wants me he only left his number. Lunga Lunga police station have handed over all my documents and personal effects. Headed to Mombasa Port Police now,” he added.
Earlier, the activist had alerted his followers that he was denied exit from Kenya (on February 15) while travelling to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. According to his account, immigration officials at the Lunga Lunga border stopped him due to a Red Notice allegedly issued around January or February 2025.
Mwagodi claimed the alert was initiated by an officer he identified as Michael Sang from the DCI’s Serious Crimes Unit based at Mazingira House on Kiambu Road in Nairobi. He further alleged that although a warrant of arrest had been issued, no specific offence had been indicated.
“Michael Sang issued the warrant of arrest but did not indicate the crime I committed and/or what I am to be charged with,” he posted.
Following the travel denial, Mwagodi said he was handed over to DCI officers at the Lunga Lunga border police post and later detained at Lunga Lunga Police Station. He stated that officers informed him they were awaiting instructions from DCI headquarters in Nairobi regarding the reasons for his detention and the next course of action.
According to his posts, both the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and a DCI officer visited him in his cell on the morning of February 16 and reiterated that they were still waiting for direction from Mazingira House.
As of publication, the DCI had not issued a public statement confirming the existence of the Red Notice, the alleged warrant, or the grounds for Mwagodi’s arrest.
The unfolding situation has drawn attention online.
Mwagodi, known for his outspoken civic activism and frequent commentary on governance and human rights, has previously reported security-related incidents, including claims of intimidation and cross-border targeting.
His transfer to Nairobi is likely to intensify scrutiny over the case, particularly regarding the legal basis of the alleged Red Notice and whether formal charges will be filed.
Mwagodi has in recent years emerged as a vocal civic activist focused on governance, church–state relations and youth political engagement. He has led protests against political fundraising in churches, criticising what he calls the “commercialisation of faith.”
In 2024 and 2025, he became a visible figure in youth-led demonstrations challenging the presence of politicians in religious spaces — drawing both strong backing from sections of Kenya’s youth and sharp criticism from political and religious leaders.
He has also reported incidents of intimidation, including alleging he was briefly abducted in Tanzania in 2025, claims that raised wider concerns among civil society groups about the safety of outspoken activists.
