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Tanzanian President warns against foreign interference as high-profile Kenyans are turned away for supporting detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has spoken out for the first time following the recent detention and deportation of several prominent Kenyan figures. The incident occurred on Sunday and Monday when Kenyan activists and political figures were barred from entering Tanzania.
Speaking at a public event on Monday, May 19, President Suluhu criticized the actions of the Kenyan activists, accusing them of attempting to interfere in Tanzania’s internal affairs. She warned that Tanzania would not allow outsiders to disrupt its peace.
“We’ve noticed a trend where some activists from neighboring countries are trying to meddle in our business,” Suluhu said. “If they have been silenced in their own country, they should not come here to destroy the peace we have.”
The president emphasized that Tanzania values its political stability and is determined to protect it at all costs. She insisted that the deportation of the Kenyan visitors was in line with the government’s responsibility to maintain order.
Among those deported were former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, activist journalist Hanifa Adan, and VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid. The trio had traveled to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was recently detained. Their passports were reportedly taken at the Julius Nyerere International Airport before they were sent back to Kenya.
A day earlier, other Kenyan activists, including politician Martha Karua, had also been deported under similar circumstances.
Tundu Lissu, a well-known Tanzanian opposition leader and current chairman of the CHADEMA party, is facing treason charges and will remain in custody until June 2025. His arrest has drawn attention and criticism, particularly from Kenya, where several leaders and activists have expressed support for him.
The Kenyan supporters accuse President Suluhu of suppressing political opposition in Tanzania. They argue that the recent actions signal a decline in democratic freedoms in the region.
Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga also condemned the situation, calling it a worrying sign of shrinking civic and democratic space in East Africa.
In response to the criticism, President Suluhu defended her leadership. She stated that her actions were not about political bias but about safeguarding her country.
“I’ve seen videos of people saying I’m unfair. But as president, it’s my job to protect my country. We will not allow anyone—whether Tanzanian or foreign—to disturb the peace,” she said.
Suluhu, who became Tanzania’s first female president in March 2021, has built a reputation for being firm and direct. Her recent remarks make it clear that she will not tolerate any foreign involvement in Tanzania’s political affairs.
The incident has strained diplomatic relations between Kenya and Tanzania, highlighting the delicate balance between political activism and national sovereignty in the region.
While the Kenyan activists aimed to show support for Lissu, Tanzania’s government viewed their visit as a threat to its stability. As the situation unfolds, both nations may face pressure to find a peaceful and diplomatic way to address growing concerns over political freedom and cross-border activism.
In the meantime, President Suluhu remains steadfast in her message: peace in Tanzania will be protected, no matter where the opposition comes from.