Tanzania Election Chaos Sparks Tension at Kenya-Tanzania Border as Police Seal Off Namanga Crossing
Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, cautioned residents against participating in any demonstrations linked to events across the border.
Speaking in Mombasa, Omollo reiterated that Kenyan law does not allow involvement in political unrest in foreign countries. Photo/courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Chaos from Tanzania’s disputed elections appeared to spill over into Kenya, with tension gripping the Namanga border town Thursday. The normally busy crossing point between the two nations was transformed into a tense security zone after Kenyan police intervened to block groups of youth attempting to move toward the Tanzanian side.
The unrest came after nationwide demonstrations broke out in Tanzania’s major cities, Dar es Salaam and Arusha, on Wednesday, October 29, following what many described as a sham election conducted amidst violence and intimidation.
Videos circulating online showed dozens of Kenyan youth gathered on motorbikes near the border, chanting and waving placards as security officers formed a barrier to prevent them from crossing. Witnesses said the situation grew increasingly volatile as more young people arrived, reportedly expressing solidarity with Tanzanians protesting against alleged electoral fraud.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that some demonstrators were incensed by security officers restricting entry into Tanzania, while others wanted to observe or support their counterparts across the border. In one video, a voice could be heard shouting, “Let us pass! Focus on Tanzania, not us!”
For the second day running, the Namanga crossing had been the subject of heavy surveillance. On Wednesday, when Tanzania went to vote, police had already fortified the area in anticipation of unrest spilling across the border.
Journalists trying to enter Tanzania to cover the elections also faced restrictions as several reported that internet connectivity was disrupted even on the Kenyan side of the border — a reflection of the communications blackout imposed by Tanzanian authorities.
Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, warned citizens against participating in any demonstrations linked to events across the border. Speaking in Mombasa, Omollo said Kenyan law prohibits involvement in foreign political unrest.
“As a country, we have laws regulating demonstrations. Anyone intending to protest must do so within the framework of the law. I urge Kenyans not to take matters into their own hands,” he stated.
Meanwhile, businessmen in Namanga town have closed their shops temporarily due to the fear of heightened violence. Locals said the usually busy cross-border business environment had been at a standstill as security forces on either side were deployed in large numbers.
Protests in Tanzania have continued despite the police imposing a curfew of 6 p.m. to suppress dissent. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to win, amid the detention of her main rival Tundu Lissu. Mr. Lissu’s party, Chadema, boycotted the polls, citing electoral irregularities. The situation is fluid as Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities keep a close eye on the border, with the unrest not showing any signs of abating.
About Author
