Kenya demands protection for citizens amid Tanzania election crackdown

Kenya demands protection for citizens amid Tanzania election crackdown

Kenya's Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi has urged Tanzanian authorities to guarantee the safety of Kenyan nationals caught in post-election violence, following reports of targeted attacks, deaths, and arbitrary detentions after last week's disputed presidential vote.

Mudavadi raised concerns with Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in a phone call, citing "formal reports" of rights violations against Kenyans and emphasizing the need to "safeguard the rights, safety, and dignity" of an estimated 250,000 Kenyans living, working, or conducting business in Tanzania. The two ministers agreed to address the issue through "established diplomatic and consular channels," according to a statement from Nairobi.

Violence and allegations of foreign interference

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was sworn in for a second term after securing 98% of the vote, blamed "foreigners" for instigating unrest in her inauguration speech. The election, widely criticized by observers for falling short of democratic standards, saw key opposition figures either imprisoned or barred from running. Tanzanian police have alleged that some foreigners, including Kenyans, entered the country illegally "with the intention to commit crimes, including causing unrest."

Human rights groups and families in Kenya report that Kenyans have been killed, injured, or detained by Tanzanian security forces. John Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher in Dar es Salaam, was fatally shot by police while reportedly buying food, his sister told the BBC. His body remains untraced, complicating repatriation efforts. Meanwhile, a doctor at Muhimbili Hospital in Dar es Salaam confirmed to the BBC that municipal vehicles had been collecting bodies of protest victims.

"Kenyans in Tanzania are not safe. They are being targeted and harassed. The authorities are using them as scapegoats for the atrocities committed by police against Tanzanians."

Hussein Khalid, Kenyan human rights activist, in an interview with Daily Nation

Diplomatic tensions and historical context

The crackdown has reignited tensions between the two East African nations, both members of the East African Community (EAC). In May, relations soured after Tanzania deported Kenyan observers attending the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, while activists Boniface Mwangi (Kenya) and Agather Atuhaire (Uganda) were allegedly tortured and sexually abused before resurfacing.

Kenya's foreign ministry has called on families of affected Kenyans to provide names, addresses, and emergency contacts to assist in tracing efforts. The move follows public criticism over the government's perceived slow response to the crisis. Reports indicate that many Kenyans, particularly those employed in private schools, are fleeing Tanzania amid warnings from authorities about crackdowns on undocumented workers.

Election under scrutiny

International observers have questioned the legitimacy of Tanzania's election, citing the absence of credible opposition and reports of excessive force against protesters. Tanzanian officials dismiss opposition claims of hundreds of deaths as "greatly exaggerated" but have not provided independent casualty figures. President Samia's inauguration, held at a military parade ground in Dodoma and closed to the public, marked a departure from tradition, with coverage limited to state television.

Background: Shifting political climate

Samia initially won praise in 2021 for easing political repression after succeeding the late President John Magufuli, but critics argue her government has since narrowed civic space. The latest violence underscores growing concerns over regional stability and the treatment of foreign nationals during political crises.