Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has strongly defended Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s controversial decision to deport a group of high-profile Kenyan activists, terming the move as a rightful stand against foreign interference.
In a statement on Tuesday, Cherargei emphasised Tanzania’s sovereignty and supported President Suluhu’s ban, which led to the detention and subsequent deportation of several Kenyan civil society leaders on Monday morning.
“I fully support H.E. Suluhu, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, for banning Kenya’s activists for trying to interfere with the domestic affairs of her country,” said the outspoken senator.
Among those deported were former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, activist journalist Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, the CEO of VOCAL Africa. The trio had reportedly traveled to Tanzania to monitor court proceedings involving prominent opposition figure Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.
“The international relations provide for mutual respect to friendly nations. The activists should not transfer bad manners to Tanzania and their funding of destabilising there,” Cherargei added.
President Suluhu echoed similar sentiments on May 19 during a public event, where she accused certain foreign activists—specifically from neighboring countries—of attempting to sow discord.
“We’ve started seeing a trend where some activists from our neighbouring countries are trying to meddle in our business,” Suluhu said. “If you have been contained in their countries, don’t come here to ruin our peace.”
Suluhu further warned that Tanzania’s political stability—often praised in East Africa—would not be compromised by external forces. “Any attempts to disrupt the peace will not be tolerated,” she declared.
On Sunday, Martha Karua, leader of Kenya’s People’s Liberation Party (PLP), revealed that she and other activists had also been deported after their passports were confiscated at Julius Nyerere International Airport.
The incident has sparked debate across East Africa, especially as Lissu’s case continues to attract international scrutiny. The former Singida East MP remains in custody and is expected to be held until June 2025.
While the deportations have drawn sharp criticism from rights groups, Cherargei’s remarks align with those urging Kenyan civil society to focus on domestic issues. His comments highlight a growing rift between political activists and regional leaders wary of cross-border advocacy.
Whether this signals a diplomatic strain between Kenya and Tanzania remains to be seen, but for now, the message from Dodoma is clear: activism ends at the border.
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