Africa

Kenya's Ex-Justice Minister Deported From Tanzania Amid Trial Row

Published MAY 19 2025

Story

Above: Martha Karua (R) speaks to journalists after she was deported back into the country from Tanzania, at the Jommo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on May 18, 2025. Image credit: Simon Maina/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

Former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua and two colleagues were denied entry into Tanzania at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, where they had traveled to observe opposition leader Tundu Lissu's treason trial.
Nilepost
The Straits Times
Karua, along with Law Society of Kenya member Gloria Kimani and human rights advocate Lynn Ngugi, were detained for several hours before being put on a return flight to Nairobi, with no formal explanation provided by Tanzanian authorities.
France 24
Citizen Digital
The deportation occurred as Tundu Lissu, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt and faces treason charges that could result in the death penalty, was scheduled to appear in court for trial proceedings.
Africanews
The Africareport
BBC News
Lissu's Chadema party has been disqualified from participating in Tanzania's October elections after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct, demanding significant reforms to ensure fair elections.
The Africareport
The Straits Times
Former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and other rights activists who attempted to travel to Tanzania for the trial were also detained at the airport, prompting Kenya's top foreign affairs official to urge their release.
BBC News
allAfrica
The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Tanzania, with rights groups warning of renewed repression under Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration ahead of the October elections.
The Voice of Africa
allAfrica

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-government narrative

These deportations were necessary security measures to maintain order during sensitive political proceedings. Tanzania has sovereign authority to determine who enters its territory and must protect its judicial processes from external interference. The government remains committed to respecting human rights while ensuring stability ahead of crucial elections.

Citizen Digital

Opposition narrative

This deportation exemplifies the erosion of democratic principles in East Africa and demonstrates a pattern of suppressing opposition voices. The action violates East African Community principles and international norms while attempting to shield a politically motivated trial from regional scrutiny. The ruling party is systematically neutering opposition ahead of elections to maintain power.