People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has strongly criticized Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu for accusing her and other Kenyan activists of interfering with Tanzania's internal affairs. Karua's rebuke follows her recent detention and expulsion from Tanzania, where she and others attempted to show solidarity with detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Karua asserts that her entry into Tanzania was lawful and in accordance with the East African Community (EAC) treaty, suggesting that Tanzania's actions contravene regional obligations.

Suluhu's remarks, made during the launch of the updated Foreign Policy of 2001 (2024 Edition), condemned what she termed "undisciplined elements" from neighboring countries for attempting to destabilize Tanzania. She specifically pointed to increased political activism propagated through social media, claiming that these activists, having allegedly destabilized their own countries, now seek to do the same in Tanzania.

Karua responded to Suluhu's accusations via social media, asserting that she and her colleagues entered Tanzania legally as members of the EAC. She highlighted that they were denied entry and forcibly ejected, which she argues is a violation of the region's free border access policies. Karua's statement, "Samia Suluhu, we did not invade your country. We came legally as people from the East African Community (EAC) bloc, but we were barred from entry, against the region's free border access, and ejected," encapsulates her defense against Suluhu's claims of foreign interference.

The incident on May 18 involved the deportation of six Kenyans, including Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, activist Boniface Mwangi, and journalist Hanifa Adan. Their passports were confiscated upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport. They intended to support Tundu Lissu, who faces charges of treason.

The political tensions have seemingly widened between Kenya and Tanzania. Karua's invocation of the EAC treaty suggests that Tanzania’s actions could be interpreted not only as diplomatically insensitive but also as a potential breach of international agreements.

Tundu Lissu, appearing in court for the first time since his arrest, expressed gratitude for the support from Kenyan figures like former Chief Justice David Maraga, especially given that others were denied entry. Lissu faces charges of treason and spreading false information and wore a T-shirt with the slogan “No Reforms, No Election,” reflecting his supporters' demands for electoral reforms.