Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has called on the Kenyan government to ban Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu from entering Kenya, escalating tensions over the detention and deportation of three Kenyan lawyers at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
Owino’s demand follows an incident on Sunday, March 18, where Senior Counsel Martha Karua and two other lawyers were detained and subsequently deported. The outspoken MP criticized Tanzania’s treatment of Kenyan citizens and urged a reciprocal response from Kenya.
Owino Demands Justice for Kenyan Lawyers
In a fiery statement, Babu Owino condemned the Tanzanian government for what he termed the “unjustified mistreatment” of Kenyans.
“It is deeply troubling to see Kenyans being demeaned and detained in Tanzania without any valid explanation. Such actions are unnecessary and a clear violation of their rights,” Owino said.
The MP urged Tanzanian President Suluhu to refrain from visiting Kenya, accusing her government of fostering hostility toward Kenyan citizens.
“Don’t ever step foot in Kenya if you can’t respect our people. We will not tolerate such unbecoming conduct from any leader,” he added.
Karua’s Detention Sparks Outrage
Martha Karua, along with two other activists, was reportedly part of a delegation invited by the East Africa Law Society (EALS). The group was in Tanzania to observe a court session involving former opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Karua revealed that her passport was confiscated upon arrival, and she was detained without any explanation. Her ordeal has drawn sharp criticism from various stakeholders, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which has demanded a formal explanation from the Tanzanian government.
Activists and Leaders Condemn Suluhu’s Actions
Activist Boniface Mwangi accused President Suluhu of imposing unfair restrictions on Kenyan visitors, linking the incident to the political atmosphere ahead of Tanzania’s upcoming general elections.
Former LSK President Nelson Havi also questioned the purpose of the East African Community (EAC), highlighting the contradiction between the bloc’s ideals and Tanzania’s actions.
“What is the point of the EAC if a respected lawyer like Martha Karua is denied entry to Tanzania to practice law? This is a serious matter that President William Ruto must address with President Samia Suluhu,” Havi stated.
Havi further suggested that Kenya consider expelling the Tanzanian Ambassador if the issue remains unresolved.
Calls for Action Intensify
The incident has put a spotlight on Kenya-Tanzania relations, with many calling for immediate diplomatic intervention. Stakeholders argue that Tanzania’s actions undermine the principles of regional unity and free movement within the East African Community.
As the debate intensifies, Babu Owino’s demand for a travel ban on President Suluhu underscores the growing frustration among Kenyan leaders over the treatment of their citizens in Tanzania.
