Tanzania president warns ‘meddling’ Kenyan activists
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Tanzania’s president warns Kenyan activists against interference amid rising political tensions.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a firm warning to activists from neighbouring Kenya, cautioning them against interfering in Tanzania’s internal affairs. Her remarks follow the deportation of several high-profile Kenyan lawyers and human rights advocates who attempted to attend the court hearing of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces serious charges including treason.
President Samia, speaking at the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy in Dar es Salaam, stated emphatically:
“If they have been contained in their country, let them not come here to meddle. Let’s not give them a chance. They have already created chaos in their own country.”
Her comments were interpreted as a direct reference to Kenyan activists and former officials, including Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua, who were deported alongside two others over the weekend. The group had planned to observe Lissu’s legal proceedings, which have garnered significant international attention.
Tanzania’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, appeared in court in Dar es Salaam on Monday, raising his fist in a symbol of defiance. Lissu, the head of the Chadema opposition party, was arrested on April 9 after making a public call for “no reforms, no election,” arguing that the country’s current legal framework fails to ensure free and fair elections. He has been charged with treason and publishing false information online, allegedly inciting public unrest and accusing police of electoral misconduct—charges he denies.
The heavily secured court proceedings were initially set to be conducted virtually, but Lissu’s legal team objected, citing the need for transparency. As a result, the hearing took place in person, with hundreds of supporters gathering outside the court in a strong show of solidarity. The case has been adjourned until June 2, as prosecutors requested more time for investigations.
Lissu, a long-time critic of the government and survivor of a 2017 assassination attempt, now faces the death penalty if convicted. His legal team also voiced concern over the intense police presence around the court. Judges acknowledged the issue and promised to consult on whether the deployment was justified.
The Tanzanian government is facing increasing scrutiny for what human rights groups call a renewed crackdown on dissent ahead of the upcoming general elections in October. Though President Samia was once praised for her more open political approach following the 2021 death of former President John Magufuli, critics argue that the current administration is reverting to authoritarian tendencies.
This shift has alarmed civil society groups both within Tanzania and abroad. The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition condemned the recent deportations as “arbitrary arrests,” while former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and other prominent figures reported being detained at the airport when attempting to enter the country. Despite the tensions, another former Kenyan chief justice, David Maraga, managed to attend the court session and expressed hope for a just legal process.
President Samia defended her stance, stating that the priority of her administration is to protect Tanzania’s sovereignty and stability.
“We will not give a chance to anyone to come and destroy us,” she said.
“Those who have spoiled their countries should not cross over to Tanzania to spread their indiscipline here.”
She further noted that criticism of her position as “biased” was misplaced, affirming that she was fulfilling her constitutional mandate to safeguard the country.
The government’s decision to disqualify the Chadema party from participating in the upcoming elections—on the grounds that it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct—has added to the growing concerns of political repression. Reports of abductions, threats, and killings targeting government critics have intensified calls for democratic reform and international oversight.
As October’s elections draw nearer, tensions in Tanzania continue to mount, with observers watching closely how the government handles opposition voices, civil liberties, and regional diplomacy.
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