Tanzanian President Warns Kenyan Activists Amid Treason Case Against Opposition Leader
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a strong warning to Kenyan and other foreign activists, accusing them of attempting to interfere in Tanzania's internal affairs. Her remarks follow the deportation of several prominent Kenyan legal and human rights figures who had traveled to Tanzania to observe a high-profile treason case against opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Speaking during the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy in Dar es Salaam on Monday, President Samia said she would not allow outsiders to cause unrest in the country. “If they have been contained in their country, let them not come here to meddle,” she said. “We will not give a chance to anyone to come and destroy us.”
Her comments came after Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire were detained upon arrival in Tanzania, reportedly to attend Lissu's court proceedings. Tanzania’s immigration authority spokesperson, Paul Mselle, told Reuters he was unaware of the arrests but promised to investigate.
Former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua and two of her colleagues were also deported on Sunday to prevent their attendance at the trial. Hours later, former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and other activists were reportedly stopped and held at the airport. Despite the crackdown, another former Chief Justice of Kenya, David Maraga, managed to attend the court session, expressing hope for a "fair, just, and expeditious" legal process.
Tundu Lissu, leader of the main opposition Chadema party, appeared in court in Dar es Salaam on Monday amid a heavy police presence. He raised a defiant fist and reassured supporters outside the court, saying, “You will be fine. You should not fear.”
Lissu was arrested on 9 April following a public rally in which he called for “no reforms, no election,” arguing that Tanzania’s current laws do not allow for free and fair elections. He faces charges of treason and publishing false information online — accusations he denies. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The court session was adjourned to 2 June after prosecutors requested more time for investigations. Lissu’s legal team objected to earlier efforts to hold proceedings virtually, citing the need for transparency.
The magistrate acknowledged the defense’s concerns about the overwhelming police deployment and promised consultations on its appropriateness.
The Chadema party has since been barred from participating in the upcoming October general election after refusing to sign a code of conduct mandated by the electoral commission.
President Samia, once lauded for easing political tensions after succeeding the late President John Magufuli in 2021, is now facing growing criticism. Rights groups accuse her administration of reverting to the repression that characterized her predecessor’s rule.
The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has voiced alarm over recent events, including the arrest of opposition figures and reports of abductions and killings targeting government critics.
Still, Samia defended her actions, insisting they are aimed at safeguarding national stability. “I have seen several clips saying I am biased, but what I am doing is protecting my country, which is the key mandate I was given,” she said.
Source: Reuters
