Tanzania: Gay rights activist found dead

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

Tanzanian gay rights activist Maurice Mjomba has been found dead at his house in Dar es Salaam.

Identity Kenya reports that Julius Lumanyika Kyaruzi, the coordinator at the Centre for Human Rights Promotion where Mjomba was a Training Coordinator confirmed Mr Mjomba, 29, had been found dead.

It is believed he could have been dead for some time and the report says there are indications he was murdered. It is not known if his death was motivated by homophobia.

Mr Mjomba was a member of Stay Awake Network Activities, a group which deals sexual health education for men who have sex with men.

SANA said today: “We sadly announce that Moris Mjomba, one of our founding member, a friend and activist, was strangled by unknown person (s) the date of his death has not been confirmed yet. For more information, we will let you know.”

Results of an autopsy are pending.