Martha Karua denied entry to Tanzania over Tundu Lissu case

Dar es Salaam, May 19, 2025 — Tensions between Kenya and Tanzania escalated this weekend after a series of high-profile Kenyan politicians, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, activists, and legal observers, were denied entry into Tanzania and deported under unclear circumstances.

Former Justice Minister and NARC leader Martha Karua is also among those affected, together with several human rights advocates who were in the country to observe court proceedings involving Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

Karua, Lawyers Deported on Arrival

On Saturday, May 18, Martha Karua, along with Kenyan lawyers Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi, was detained upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

The trio had been invited by the East Africa Law Society (EALS) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to observe Lissu’s treason hearing. Their entry was blocked without explanation after hours of waiting, and they were eventually put on a return flight to Nairobi.

Karua, a prominent opposition figure in Kenya and leader of the NARC-Kenya party, condemned the move, stating that it violated the principles of regional integration under the East African Community (EAC), which guarantees free movement of citizens across member states.

“As East Africans, we should not be subjected to such arbitrary restrictions. This act undermines not just regional solidarity, but also the ideals of democratic governance,” Karua said upon her return to Nairobi.

Former Chief Justice Mutunga Also Deported

The diplomatic strain deepened on Sunday, May 19, when former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and two Kenyan human rights activists—Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid—were also detained at the same airport. Their passports were confiscated, and they were held overnight before being deported to Kenya.

Mutunga, a renowned legal luminary and democracy advocate, was also in the country to show solidarity with Tundu Lissu and monitor the legal proceedings. His deportation has drawn sharp criticism from legal and human rights groups across East Africa.

Kenya Responds: “Violation of Regional Principles”

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei issued a statement urging the Tanzanian government to respect the principles of the East African Community. He described the deportations as “inconsistent with the spirit of regional cooperation” and called for a review of Tanzania’s handling of foreign observers.

The Law Society of Kenya and the East Africa Law Society also issued joint statements, condemning the actions as a “worrying trend” that undermines democratic oversight and civic space in the region.

A Shrinking Civic Space?

The deportations come amid rising concerns over political freedoms in Tanzania, where Tundu Lissu, a former presidential candidate and opposition leader, is facing treason charges many observers believe are politically motivated.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, have pointed to the deportations as evidence of a shrinking civic space in the country.

The People’s Liberation Party (PLP), associated with Karua, described the incident as a “direct attack on fundamental freedoms and transparency,” while civil society groups in Kenya and beyond have demanded clarity from the Tanzanian government.

Regional Implications

This series of deportations could have far-reaching implications for regional diplomacy and freedom of movement within the EAC. Analysts warn that the incident may strain Kenya-Tanzania relations and set a dangerous precedent for how member states treat observers and critics.

Earlier this year Martha Karua faced significant obstacles in Uganda while attempting to represent opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Karua, a prominent Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister, was appointed lead counsel in Besigye’s defense team, which included over 50 lawyers from Kenya and Uganda. However, upon arrival in Uganda, she encountered multiple challenges that hindered her participation in the legal proceedings.

Upcoming Tanzanian Elections and Political Climate

These incidents occur in the lead-up to Tanzania’s general elections scheduled for October 28, 2025. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, representing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, is seeking re-election.

However, the political landscape has been marred by controversy following the disqualification of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, from participating in the elections.

In April 2025, CHADEMA was barred from the elections after allegedly failing to sign a mandatory electoral code of conduct. This move came shortly after the party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested and charged with treason for calling for electoral reforms during a public rally.

The European Parliament has condemned Lissu’s arrest and the disqualification of CHADEMA, urging Tanzanian authorities to restore the party’s participation in the elections and to respect political freedoms.

These developments have raised concerns about the state of democracy in Tanzania and the fairness of the upcoming elections.

As the situation develops, all eyes remain on how Tanzania will justify its actions and whether the East African Community will intervene to uphold its founding principles of cooperation, democracy, and free movement of people.