Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has publicly defended the deportation of several high-profile Kenyans, accusing them of attempting to meddle in Tanzania’s internal affairs.
Speaking during a public forum on Monday, May 19, Suluhu criticized the detained Kenyan activists, saying they were trying to “ruin the peace” of a stable Tanzania after failing to effect change in their own country.
“We’ve started seeing a trend where some activists from our neighbouring countries are trying to meddle in our business,” said Suluhu. “If they have been contained in their own country, let them not try to come and ruin our peace.”
The deportees included former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, journalist Hanifa Adan, and VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, who were detained on Monday while attempting to enter Tanzania in support of detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
They were later deported, joining others like Martha Karua, who faced a similar fate on Sunday.
Lissu, a vocal government critic and leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA, is facing treason charges and will remain in custody until June 2025.
His arrest has sparked outcry across the region, with several Kenyan figures condemning what they call a clampdown on democratic freedoms.
In response to growing criticism, Suluhu remained defiant: “I’ve seen people saying I am biased. All I’m doing is protecting my country. We will not allow anyone to come and disrupt the peace, whether a local or a foreigner.”
Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga weighed in, warning of a “shrinking civic and democratic space in East Africa.”
Tensions between Nairobi and Dodoma are now expected to rise as the diplomatic fallout deepens.
