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The East African Law Society (EALS) has strongly condemned Tanzania’s deportation of several Kenyan human rights activists, calling the move a violation of regional agreements and fundamental rights. The deportations, which took place at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, have sparked outrage among legal professionals and civil society groups, who accuse Tanzanian authorities of restricting free movement within the East African Community (EAC).
Among those deported was former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua, who was denied entry on May 18, 2025, and sent back to Nairobi along with two colleagues. The following day, former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and activists Hussein Khalid and Hanifa Farsafi were detained at the same airport, awaiting deportation. Tanzanian officials have not publicly explained their decision, but the activists had traveled to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar issued a statement condemning the detentions, describing them as a blatant violation of the EAC Treaty and an affront to regional integration. “This shameful act undermines the principles of free movement and the rule of law within the East African Community,” Abubakar stated. He further announced that EALS intends to file a petition before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) to challenge Tanzania’s actions and seek redress for the affected individuals.
Legal experts argue that Tanzania’s decision contradicts past rulings by the EACJ, which have affirmed that arbitrary restrictions on free movement violate EAC law. In a landmark 2013 case, the court ruled that member states cannot deny entry to individuals from partner countries without adhering to established legal protocols. EALS has urged the international community to intervene, warning that Tanzania’s actions set a dangerous precedent for regional cooperation.
The deportations have also drawn criticism from Kenyan officials, with the country’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei calling for the immediate release of the detained activists. “We strongly urge Tanzanian authorities to respect the norms of the East African Community and allow free movement of citizens,” Sing’Oei stated.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations have expressed concern over Tanzania’s growing crackdown on political dissent. The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of suppressing opposition voices and restricting judicial oversight. PALU CEO Donald Deya described the deportations as a breach of the right to observe public criminal trials, a principle enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The incident has intensified diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Tanzania, with activists calling for greater accountability from Tanzanian authorities. As legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on whether Tanzania will address concerns raised by regional bodies or continue enforcing restrictive policies.