Tanzanian Govt Sheds Light on Why Martha Karua, EX-CJ Mutunga Were Deported: "Hawana Vyeti"
- Martha Karua, Willy Mutunga, and four other Kenyans were detained and deported from Tanzania while attempting to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu
- Tanzanian authorities claimed the individuals lacked the required permits to conduct legal or advocacy activities in the country, despite their high-profile status
- Musalia Mudavadi suggested that those who were deported may have engaged in activities that provoked the Tanzanian administration
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The detention and subsequent deportation of senior Kenyan figures, including senior counsel Martha Karua and former chief justice Willy Mutunga from Tanzania, have sparked public outcry and diplomatic concern across East Africa.
Source: Facebook
Karua, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) council member Gloria Kimani and Pan-African activist Lynn Ngugi, were held for several hours at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, May 18, before being deported to Nairobi.
The trio condemned the action, stating the Law Society of East Africa officially invited them to observe the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu (CHADEMA chairperson) on Monday, May 19.
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On the day of the trial, Mutunga, human rights defender Hussein Khalid, and activist Hanifa Adan arrived separately to attend the same event but were also detained by Tanzanian authorities.
The three were deported later in the day after court proceedings at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court concluded.
The move drew widespread condemnation in Kenya, with many citing violations of democratic rights and the freedom of movement within the East African Community (Jumuiya).
Why were Karua, Mutunga deported to Nairobi?
However, on Wednesday, May 21, a Tanzanian newspaper, as reported by Wasafi FM, provided the government's official explanation for the deportations.
Source: Twitter
Authorities claimed that the Kenyans had travelled as human rights activists without the appropriate legal permits to conduct advocacy work in Tanzania.
According to the report, the group lacked the necessary work licences, prompting their removal.
"The government said the Kenyan citizens who came to Tanzania allegedly to attend the court hearing of CHADEMA chairperson Tundu Lissu did not have licences to carry out legal (advocacy) activities in Tanzania," the newspaper read.
Why did Samia Suluhu defend Kenyan deportations?
However, Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu defended the deportations, warning that 'wayward individuals' would not be allowed to destabilise the only peaceful country in the region.
Suluhu further instructed security agencies to prevent both external and internal actors from meddling in Tanzania’s internal affairs.
Despite the diplomatic uproar, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi sided with Suluhu, stating that Tanzania was justified in taking precautions.
He acknowledged that Tanzanian authorities closely monitor the actions and conduct of Kenyans and suggested that those who were deported may have engaged in activities that provoked the Tanzanian administration.
The events took place during a politically sensitive period ahead of the country’s November 2025 General Election.
Why is Boniface Mwangi detained in Tanzania?
Meanwhile, amid the ongoing discussions, Mudavadi addressed the detention of activist Boniface Mwangi, who remains in Tanzanian custody.
Source: Twitter
While confirming that Mwangi had been in touch with the Kenyan embassy, the CS said no official explanation had been offered by Tanzanian authorities for his detention.
Reports, however, indicated that Mwangi entered Tanzania under pretences and later booked a room at the Serena Hotel, where he claimed his life was in danger after armed officers reportedly surrounded the premises.
He was eventually taken to the Central Police Station, but his current whereabouts remain unknown.
Hussein Khalid revealed that all attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.
The incident continues to provoke debate about regional cooperation, diplomatic conduct, and the limits of political expression within the East African Community.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
