A diplomatic spat is simmering between Kenya and Tanzania after comments made in the Tanzanian Parliament on Monday angered Kenyan lawmakers, following the controversial arrest and deportation of Kenyan and Ugandan activists from Tanzania.
The deportations occurred during the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu in Dar es Salaam, where a group of East African lawyers, human rights defenders, and media personalities had travelled to observe proceedings. Among those deported were prominent Kenyan figures including former Justice Minister Martha Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Council member Gloria Kimani, alongside activists Lynn Ngugi, Hanifa Adan, and Hussein Khalid.
In a more harrowing incident, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire were reportedly arrested, held incommunicado, and tortured before being dumped near the Tanzanian border.
Tanzanian lawmakers on Monday defended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to deport the group, accusing them of “imported activism” and attempting to destabilize the country. Geita MP Joseph Musukuma stirred further outrage, declaring that Tanzania has “nothing to learn from Kenya, absolutely nothing,” asserting Tanzanian superiority in politics and intelligence.
The comments drew swift rebuke from Kenyan leaders. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna pledged to address the issue robustly in Tuesday’s Senate session, saying the proceedings should be conducted in Swahili to ensure Tanzanian lawmakers understand Kenya’s position. “Kesho italazim Kiswahili tu bungeni ili wenzetu wa Tanzania watupate kwa njia ya uhakiki,” he posted on X.
Martha Karua also responded online, reposting a clip of Tanzanian MP Maryam Omar Zaid suggesting that the deported activists should have been “dealt with once and for all.” Tagging President Suluhu, the ruling CCM party, and the East African Community, Karua called for regional attention to the matter.
Tanzanian MPs continued to defend their stance, with Singida West MP Elibariki Kingu referencing Kenya’s past political unrest and suggesting Tanzania had previously helped stabilize the region. Iringa Central MP Jesca Msambatavangu praised Tanzanian youth for their patriotism and dismissed online criticisms of President Suluhu as external provocations.
The incident and its aftermath have raised broader questions about regional cooperation, freedom of movement, and human rights within the East African Community. Kenyan lawmakers have demanded a formal explanation and are expected to escalate the matter diplomatically.
Written By Rodney Mbua
