Tanzania President Samia Suluhu has pronounced her stand over the confusion sorrounding the deportation of reknown activist from Kenya including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.
President Suluhu says her country is one of the most peaceful countries in East Africa and would not allow anybody to disrupt it.
“We have seen a trend of activists in our region. They have now started meddling with our country after failing in their own country,” said Suluhu.
Samia Suluhu urged Tanzanians not to allow the said activists to enter Tanzania and cause commotion.
On Sunday , People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua together with two others were deported back to Kenya after they were denied entry. Karua together with the two lawyers Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi had flown to Tanzania over invitation from East Africa Law Society. However, she says her deportation was linked with the case of Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu who is facing treason among other charges.
“I arrived at Dar es Salaam Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International airport at nine am, and immigration referred my passport to the supervisor, who has kept me waiting for an hour as she consults her superiors. I am concerned that as a citizen of Jumuiya, my access within the East African Community (EAC) country appears inexplicably restricted, ” said Karua.
Shortly after her deportation, other top activists led by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga , Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid flew to Tanzania only to be denied entry too.
Via his X account, Khalid said the trio were detained before being deported.
“We,@WMutunga, @Honeyfarsafi and I, have been detained at Julius Nyerere Airport, Dar es Salaam as we came in for the observance of @TunduALissu’s case. The trip was in solidarity with Tanzania lawyers and human rights defenders. They have not given reasons for the detention.”
Activist Bonface Mwangi who had made his way was later apprehended and taken into custody.
However, former Chief Justice David Maraga was granted entry into Tanzania and also was present in the court where Tundu Lissu was presented.
“Safely arrived in Dar-es-Salaam. Headed to Court for the Tundu Lissu Court Case,” said Maraga.
Tundu Lissu was arrested on 9th April 2025 following his address at a political rally in Mbinga where he called for political reforms before the country goes in their polls in October.
