Tanzania is not a public toilet, MPs tell Kenyan activists

The MPs’ outrage followed the deportation of Kenyan lawyer and activist Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who were barred from entering the country on 18 May.

Ms Karua was accompanied by Gloria Kimani, a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and Lynn Ngugi, of the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network. All were sent back to Nairobi.

Among those that were also came to Tanzania — whose presence was reportedly linked to the ongoing legal proceedings against Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu — included other notable names such as Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agatha Atuhaire. They styled themselves as ‘observers’ of what they claimed was a politically sensitive trial.

Their deportation sparked criticism in some quarters, questioning the legality and underlying motives. However, President Samia Suluhu Hassan strongly defended the move, warning against foreign activists interfering in Tanzania’s internal affairs.

“We are now witnessing a trend where regional activists are attempting to interfere in our country. If they have been contained in their own countries, they should not come here to destabilise us. Let us not grant them that opportunity—they have already caused enough turmoil where they come from. Tanzania remains the only peaceful place,” President Samia said during the launch of the country’s new Foreign Policy.

Speaking at the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy on 19 May, President Hassan addressed the situation head-on. While reaffirming Tanzania’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration, she warned against attempts to turn the country into a “free-for-all” zone where anyone feels entitled to comment on internal affairs with impunity.

She instructed security agencies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to tolerate what she described as “undisciplined elements”, stressing that her stance was non-partisan and aimed solely at safeguarding national interests.

President Samia’s remarks were echoed by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who acknowledged that certain activists in Kenya were abusing the country’s freedoms.

And in the House on Monday, Geita Rural MP Joseph Kasheku ‘Msukuma’ said there was no room for chaos in Tanzania, stating that the country was united behind President Hassan and would not entertain any disrespect.

“Tanzania is not a Maasai disco. We are a sovereign nation, and we must protect our President with fierce loyalty,” he said.

Mr Msukuma emphasised that Tanzanians had no quarrel with ordinary Kenyans but took issue with a few activists he accused of inciting discord. He called for the immediate arrest of any local actors attempting to disrupt peace.

“We must have patriotic pride when it comes to protecting our leaders. When I was in China and began discussing their President in a taxi, the driver stopped the car and asked whether we were there for business or to criticise their leadership,” he said.

He also criticised Kawe MP Josephat Gwajima, accusing him of failing to fulfil campaign pledges, such as facilitating study visits to Japan and China for constituents.

Iringa Urban MP Jesca Msambatavangu urged caution in handling bilateral relations with Kenya, warning that missteps could harm longstanding ties between the two nations.

Msukuma went further, saying the deported Kenyan activists should have been detained and interrogated.

“One of them wasn’t even physically appealing,” he said. “They were fortunate to encounter restrained officers—others might have handled them differently.”

Ms Msambatavangu added that activists’ interference should be met with a firm response to prevent further provocation.

Special Seats MP Ferister Njau called on police to take action against anyone insulting or provoking President Hassan.

“We should not allow such disrespect. Anyone daring to insult the President must be arrested. Such behaviour is unacceptable in any civilised society,” she said.

Kawe MP Tauhida Cassian Galoss said Tanzanians had endured provocations for too long. “Our patience is exhausted. We are tired of individuals attacking our President. Security forces must prioritise rooting out internal traitors before dealing with outsiders.”

She also raised concern over the increasing use of social media to incite unrest and urged authorities to take serious countermeasures.

Bunda Rural MP Mwita Getere reminded Parliament that the presidency is a national institution, and any attack on President Hassan is effectively an attack on Tanzania itself. He called for unity in defending the head of state and advocated for stricter vetting of public officials.

Singida West MP Elibariki Kingu warned against treating Tanzania “like a public toilet”, where people enter, relieve themselves, and exit at will. He reiterated that Tanzania is not at odds with any regional leaders—from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan, or the DRC—but remains focused on protecting its national unity and stability.