On May 19, 2025, a series of detentions and deportations of Kenyan activists in Tanzania unfolded, raising concerns about human rights and freedom of movement within the East African Community. Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, along with activists Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, were detained at Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar es Salaam. This occurred shortly after Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), was denied entry and deported back to Kenya.

Hussein Khalid, a human rights activist, conveyed the situation via social media, stating their detention was in solidarity with Tanzanian lawyers and human rights defenders observing Tundu Lissu’s case. Hanifa Adan also shared their ordeal on social media, highlighting the lack of explanation for their detention and the uncomfortable conditions at the airport. Shortly after, she reported that the trio was being deported.

Martha Karua, along with Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi, faced similar detention at the same airport on Sunday. Meanwhile, activist Boniface Mwangi reported being surrounded by plainclothes police officers at his hotel in Dar es Salaam.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Arap Sing’Oei urged the Tanzanian government to release Mutunga and his delegation, emphasizing that their detention violated the principles of the East African Community (EAC). Sing’Oei highlighted the EAC’s commitment to free movement, mutual respect, and cooperation among member states. He noted that Mutunga's team, including Khussein Khalid and Hanifa Adan, were in Tanzania to advocate for the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.

The detained activists had their passports confiscated and awaited further information from Tanzanian authorities. They had traveled to Tanzania to support Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges linked to statements made at a political rally and on social media. Boniface Mwangi, who managed to enter Tanzania, raised concerns about his safety, reporting armed individuals outside his hotel room.

Lawyer and political analyst Willis Otieno criticized the treatment of Mutunga and others as a violation of the East African Community Treaty, questioning the respect for good governance, rule of law, and human rights within the region. The Tanzanian government has not yet responded to the deportations or security concerns. Martha Karua alleged that Kenya was not doing enough to address the situation and stated the Kenyan Ambassador to Tanzania said he was trying his best to address the situation.

Following the detainment of Karua, Gloria Kimani, and Lynn Ngugi, the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) assigned an advocate to represent them and threatened legal action if they were not released. After being held for approximately six hours, Karua and her colleagues were deported back to Kenya. They had also intended to observe the trial of Tundu Lissu, who was arrested in April after calling for electoral reforms. Lissu is the national chairperson for the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), Tanzania's main opposition party.