Kenyan High Commission Assures Nationals in Tanzania of Safety Amid Post-Election Unrest
They have also appealed to the citizens to remain calm and not to engage in acts that could further deteriorate the situation.
It also asked them to report any security concerns promptly to the High Commission through the official helpline numbers +255 22 2668285/6 for timely assistance. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
The Kenyan High Commission in Dar es Salaam has assured Kenyans living in Tanzania of their security after incidents of unrest broke out following the recent general elections. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Mission said the welfare and security of Kenyans in Tanzania would remain its highest priority, adding that talks had been held with Tanzanian authorities to ensure their protection.
“The High Commission encourages Kenyans in Tanzania to go about their normal lawful activities as usual,” the statement read in part. The statement further confirmed that the embassy has resumed normal operations after restrictions and curfews imposed during the tense election period on October 29 were lifted.
The Mission has, however, called on all Kenyan citizens to remain calm, be vigilant, and adhere strictly to the laws of the land. It also asked them to report any security concerns promptly to the High Commission through the official helpline numbers +255 22 2668285/6 for timely assistance.
The political climate in Tanzania has been tense since disputed elections that led to widespread protests and temporary internet blackouts. Despite the unrest, **President Samia Suluhu Hassan** was officially sworn in on October 3 at the State House in Dodoma, with **Emmanuel Nchimbi** taking the oath as her deputy. Nevertheless, her re-election was rejected by the opposition party **Chadema**, which was excluded from participating in the polls and called for fresh elections after dismissing the October 29 vote as a “sham.”
According to the official results published by the electoral commission, the president, Suluhu, garnered an absolute 98 percent of the vote. However, the elections were described as deeply flawed by a number of international observers and human rights advocates, accusing authorities of excessive use of force, intimidation, and violence against civilians.
The **Southern African Development Community (SADC)** electoral observation mission also reported cases of harassment of its observers and noted numerous electoral irregularities during the voting process. Similarly, the **Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC)** and the **Tanganyika Law Society (TLS)** have condemned the use of lethal force against demonstrators, warning that such actions have severely damaged Tanzania’s democratic image and eroded public confidence in the government.
In a joint statement, the two organizations said they were concerned about the rampant human rights violations. “Although the exact death toll is yet to be verified, reports indicate that hundreds—mostly young people—have been killed, injured or arbitrarily detained,” the statement read. The violence was reported in several regions, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha, Songwe, Geita, Mara, Shinyanga, and towns like Tunduma, Katoro, Kahama, and Tarime.
The two bodies have called on the government to stop arbitrary arrests, the violent suppression of dissent, and to respect human rights. They have also appealed to the citizens to remain calm and not to engage in acts that could further deteriorate the situation.
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