President Suluhu Defends Move to Detain and Deport Kenyans
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan defended her decision to expel some human rights activists from her country saying she could not allow foreigners to mess up Tanzania.
Suluhu said her move was meant to protect her country from unnecessary incitement by those she deported.
According to her those deported had a trail of bad manners and that it was only good to stop them from setting foot in the country so as not to contaminate Tanzania with the same.
“Wale wanaodai kuwa nimewazuia kuingia nchini kwetu ni wale ambao tayari wamechafua nchi yao na sasa wanataka kuchafua nchi yetu pia”
(Those I have refused entry to the country are the same people who have messed up their country and now want to do the same to our country, no way!)”
She said Tanzania was the only country that was enjoying peace and harmony contrary to those who want to mess it through unorthodox ways and means.
On Monday May 19, 2025, a section of Mombasa County based activists stormed the Tanzanian Consulate demanding for the release of their colleagues temporarily detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport over the weekend.
Led by Haki Africa and Muslim for Human Rights (Muhuri), the activists staged a peaceful demonstration outside the offices located in Kizingo area within the Island.
They called on the Tanzania government to unconditionally release former Kenya Chief justice Dr Willy Mutunga, Journalist Hanifa Adan, and chief officer of Voice Africa Hussein Khalid who were detained over the weekend in Dar es Salaam after being refused entry to the country.
“Madam President, you’re going against the spirit of the East African Community because you have no jurisdiction to detain innocent Kenyans cause of your political intolerance. You must release them forthwith or else we shall seek legal redress from international courts.”
The detained Kenyans were later released with the exception of Boniface Mwangi whose whereabouts were still unknown after being arrested by the Tanzanian authorities.
According to Muhuri rapid response officer Francis Auma the detainees are peaceful Kenyans and President Suluhu should not attempt to breach the good relationship between the two countries.
Salma Hemed, accused President Suluhu and condemned the act by Tanzanian authorities saying the democracy in the EAC was on trial.
“Tanzania people are our brothers and sisters. Then, why detain our fellow Kenyans for no apparent reason. President Suluhu must bring to an end this impunity.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Brandley Ouna, who asked Tanzanians to stand against violations of human rights.
The activists said President Suluhu actions threatened the long standing relationship of Kenya and Tanzania.
Earlier on Sunday, senior counsel and political leader Martha Karua alongside other two lawyers were detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport before deported to Kenya.
They had gone to Dar es Salaam as observers to witness the opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason case.
“This pattern of repression against voices of democracy and justice is deeply troubling and signals a growing democratic backslide within the East African region. Silencing observers and restricting civic space will not suppress the truth nor stop the pursuit of justice,” said Ouna.
No one from the Mombasa Tanzanian Consulate office showed up to address or receive their memorandum nor open the gate to usher them into the premises.
