Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu has responded firmly to criticism following the detention and deportation of several Kenyan legal and political observers who had travelled to witness the ongoing trial of CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu.

Speaking during the launch of Foreign Policy of 2001 (2024 Edition) on Monday, May 19, Suluhu defended her administration’s actions, warning against foreign interference in Tanzania’s internal affairs.

She expressed concern over what she termed as a growing trend of activists from neighbouring countries attempting to disrupt Tanzania’s peace and stability.

Suluhu asserted that while some of these individuals had already caused unrest in their own countries, Tanzania remained peaceful and secure — a status she vowed to protect at all costs.

"We have started seeing a trend where activists from our region are beginning to invade and interfere in our affairs. Now, if they’ve already been dealt with in their own countries, they should not come here to ruin things for us.

Let’s not give them room—they’ve already caused chaos at home. This is the one country left that hasn’t been destabilised. It is here that people enjoy safety, peace, and stability," she said.

Referring to the recent detentions at Julius Nyerere International Airport, including that of senior counsel Martha Karua, former chief justice Willy Mutunga and human rights defenders like Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, Suluhu emphasised that Tanzania would not allow what she described as "undisciplined elements" from other nations to “bring disorder” into the country.

Her remarks came just hours after former chief justice David Maraga was allowed into the country and attended Lissu’s court hearing, in sharp contrast to his Kenyan counterparts who were barred entry.

The president maintained that her actions were not biased but part of her constitutional duty to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and stability.

"There have been several attempts, and I urge our security agents and policy enforcers not to allow unruly individuals from other countries to come and cause disorder here. No.

I’ve seen many clips accusing me of being biased, but I am acting to protect my country—and that is the responsibility I was given. We will not allow anyone to come and destabilise our country," she added.

Meanwhile, the CHADEMA party condemned the detention of Kenyan legal professionals in Tanzania, calling it a violation of their fundamental rights and an abuse of immigration protocols.

The party described the incident as a serious affront to Pan-African solidarity, the legal fraternity, and regional cooperation under the East African Community.

CHADEMA said the actions reflect a shrinking democratic space and increasing political paranoia in Tanzania’s current regime.

The party demanded a formal apology for the mistreatment of the detained legal professionals.

Source: TUKO.co.ke