Kenya's Ruto apologizes to Tanzania amid diplomatic tensions over deported activists

Kenya's Ruto apologizes to Tanzania amid diplomatic tensions over deported activists "Our neighbors from Tanzania, if we have wronged you, forgive us," said William Ruto during the National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi. What is Ruto apologizing for? The apology follows an incident in which three Kenyan activists, including politicians such as Martha Karua, were denied entry to Tanzania or deported for attempting to attend an opposition trial. One activist was reportedly detained, tortured, and left at the Kenyan border, sparking regional outrage. Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan politician, lawyer, and former Minister of Justice, was detained and deported along with several other high-ranking Kenyans upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on May 18, 2025. The question remains as to why Karua traveled to Tanzania. There are several reasons for this. Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and other Kenyan activists (including Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi) were invited by the East African Law Society to attend the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Lissu, the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, is accused of treason. He is accused of using social media and YouTube to call on the public to boycott the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections after reporting on election rigging and the disqualification of Chadema candidates on the president's instructions. Specifically, the charges are treason and disseminating false information. Karua called on the Tanzanian people to boycott the elections, claiming that the police had tampered with election materials and disqualified his party's candidates on the president's instructions. Treason is punishable by death under Tanzanian law, although this punishment has not been carried out since 1994. Karua's arrival was shortly followed by Tanzanian immigration officials, who detained the group for six hours and then deported them to Nairobi without explanation. Karua claimed they were denied entry because of their ties to Lissu. She described this as a political move to prevent international scrutiny of the process. The Tanzanian government responded. Officials claimed the group did not have work permits to practice as lawyers or legal professionals in Tanzania. They further argued that their presence violated local law. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan defended the deportations, warning of "rogue individuals" who could undermine Tanzania's stability. The Kenyan government could not remain silent. Isaac Mwaura stated that Kenya respects Tanzania's sovereignty but faced backlash from human rights groups. Critics condemned the deportations as a violation of the East African Community (EAC) principles of free movement and an attempt to suppress opposition solidarity. Elections are coming up in Tanzania. This incident highlights the growing political tensions in Tanzania ahead of the elections, which are accompanied by rigorous suppression of dissent and limited space for civil society. It also strains relations between Kenya and Tanzania. Lissu's trial continues amid tight security. Activists such as Boniface Mwangi continue to be detained in Tanzania under unclear circumstances, heightening concerns. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu accused the activists of interfering in domestic affairs. Dar es Salaam has not yet responded to Ruto's apology. @https://www.facebook.com/TheCitizenTanzania/videos/kenyan-president-william-ruto-extended-a-heartfelt-apology-to-uganda-and-tanzani/667645896275038 @https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/19/africa/tanzanian-opposition-leader-treason-trial-intl @https://www.pgaction.org/inner.php/es/news/consultations-death-penalty-tanzania.html%3Fprint%3D1 @https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyvm8l5rrvlo