Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has broken her silence after the recent detention and subsequent deportation of several high-profile Kenyans from the East African neighbour on Sunday and Monday.
Speaking during a public forum on Monday, May 19, a defiant Suluhu faulted Kenyan activists for what she termed as attempts to disrupt the peace in Tanzania.
The Tanzanian Head of State, known for her firm stance, took a swipe at Kenya’s political climate, suggesting that some activists who had failed to effect change in their own country were now attempting to interfere in Tanzania’s affairs.
"We've started seeing a trend where some activists from our neighbouring countries are trying to meddle in our business," Suluhu said.
"If they have been contained in their own country, let them not try to come to ruin our peace."
While claiming that Tanzania was one of the few countries in the East African region to have a high degree of political stability, Suluhu, who became Tanzania's first female president after being sworn in on March 19, 2021, warned that attempts to disrupt the peace would not be tolerated.
Her remarks came just as another contingent of Kenyans, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, activist journalist Hanifa Adan and VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, were detained on Monday morning as they attempted to enter Tanzania in solidarity with detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
The trio, like Martha Karua and other activists, on Sunday, were also deported to Kenya hours after their passports were confiscated at the Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Lissu, a politician, anti-graft activist and former Member of Parliament for the Singida East constituency, has gained attention in recent days, particularly from Kenya, amid his court appearance where he is set to answer treason charges. He is set to remain in custody untill June 2025.
Being the current chairman of CHADEMA, Tanzania's leading opposition political party, Lissu has inevitably gained sympathy from sections of Kenyan leaders and activists who are also vocal against the Kenya Kwanza government, including People's Liberation Party leader Karua.
Lissu's detention has attracted criticism towards Suluhu, with activists from Tanzania and the neighbouring Kenya accusing the head of state of suppressing dissent from opposing factions.
But in a rejoinder, Suluhu insisted she was simply trying to maintain order and peace in Tanzania.
She added, "I've seen some clips of people saying I am biased. All I am doing is protecting my country, as that is my mandate as president. That said, we will not allow anyone to come and disrupt the peace, whether a local or a foreigner."
Among leaders who have criticised the Tanzanian president is former Chief Justice David Maraga, who termed the current situation as a shrinking 'civic and democratic space in East Africa'.
