People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has sharply criticized Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu for labeling her and other Kenyan activists as “invaders” following their deportation from Tanzania.
Karua, in a statement released Monday evening, refuted the accusations, emphasizing that she and her colleagues entered Tanzania lawfully in accordance with East African Community (EAC) protocols. She accused Suluhu’s administration of violating the bloc’s free border access policy by barring and forcibly ejecting them from the country.
Karua Defends EAC Unity
The former Azimio la Umoja principal stressed that the actions of Suluhu’s government undermined regional unity.
“President Samia Suluhu, we did not invade your country. We came legally as citizens of the East African Community (EAC), yet you barred us from entry and ejected us, contradicting the principles of regional cooperation,” Karua stated.
Her remarks followed Suluhu’s public warning earlier that day against foreign activists whom she accused of meddling in Tanzania’s internal affairs, allegedly to destabilize the nation.
Suluhu’s Stand on Regional Activism
Addressing a public gathering, Suluhu claimed that political activists from neighboring countries were exploiting social media platforms to incite unrest within Tanzania.
“We are observing an influx of activists from this region who are attempting to interfere with our affairs. They have destabilized their own nations and now want to do the same to ours,” Suluhu said.
She defended her administration’s stance, urging Tanzanian law enforcement to be vigilant against foreign individuals with ulterior motives attempting to enter the country.
Deportation Incident
The deportation saga unfolded on Sunday, May 18, when six Kenyans, including Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, activist Boniface Mwangi, and journalist Hanifa Adan, were detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport.
The group was in Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges. They were reportedly stopped, had their passports confiscated, and were deported to Kenya.
Karua’s Call for Accountability
Karua called Suluhu’s actions a direct affront to the principles of the EAC, urging member states to hold Tanzania accountable for undermining free movement and regional cooperation.
“This is a setback for the East African Community’s mission of fostering unity, free movement, and collaboration. Such actions should not go unchecked,” Karua remarked.
