NAIROBI, KENYA — The diplomatic rift between Kenya and Tanzania has escalated following People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua’s public criticism of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s handling of Kenyan civil society figures.
Ms Karua responded to Suluhu’s remarks, which accused foreign activists of destabilizing Tanzania, by asserting the legality of her presence in the country.
This exchange follows Karua’s recent detention and expulsion from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
Ms Karua countered Suluhu’s claims by invoking the East African Community (EAC) treaty, suggesting Tanzania’s actions constituted a potential breach of its international obligations.
“Hatukuvamia nchi ya Tanzania @SuluhuSamia tulikuja kihalali Kama wanajumuiya, tukazuiliwa kinyume cha mkataba wa @jumuiya na kufurushwa inje. (We did not invade Tanzania, @SuluhuSamia, we entered legally as members of the Community, but were blocked in violation of the @jumuiya treaty and forcibly expelled).”
Ms Martha Karua wrote on X, in a rebuttal to Samia Suluhu’s claims of foreign interference.
Her comments were prompted by Suluhu’s speech at the launch of the updated Foreign Policy of 2001 (2024 Edition), where she condemned what she described as “undisciplined elements” from neighboring nations.
President Suluhu alleged that these individuals, having caused instability in their own countries, were attempting to replicate such actions in Tanzania.
Her remarks targeted a delegation of Kenyan legal and human rights observers who had traveled to Dar es Salaam to monitor the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
The case has garnered regional attention due to concerns regarding political persecution and the narrowing of democratic space in Tanzania.
The Kenyan delegation included former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and civil rights advocates Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid.
Tundu Lissu, who appeared in court on charges of treason and spreading false information, expressed gratitude for the presence of former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga.
Lissu apologized for the treatment of his Kenyan supporters who were denied entry and deported.
During the court session at Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam, Lissu wore a T-shirt displaying the slogan “No Reforms, No Election,” a rallying cry for his supporters advocating for electoral reforms.
