Desitdown News (Kenya's former justice minister deported from Tanzania)

Martha Karua, the former Justice Minister of Kenya and a prominent human rights activist, was deported from Tanzania over the weekend while attempting to attend the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The unexpected deportation has raised concerns over the state of political freedoms and human rights in Tanzania, especially as President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeks re-election later this year.
Details of the Deportation
Karua, a leading figure in Kenya’s political opposition and a staunch advocate for democracy and human rights, had traveled to Tanzania with the intent to attend the treason trial of Tundu Lissu, the leader of Tanzania’s largest opposition party, CHADEMA. Karua is well-known for her legal expertise and her support for the opposition in several African countries, having previously represented Lissu in legal matters related to his efforts to challenge Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), on various issues including electoral reforms and government repression.
Upon her arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Karua was detained by Tanzanian immigration authorities and informed that she would be immediately deported back to Kenya. She was reportedly denied entry to the country without a clear explanation from Tanzanian officials. The deportation came as a surprise to both Karua and her supporters, as she had previously visited Tanzania to support Lissu during his legal battles, and had been granted entry into the country in the past.
Tanzanian authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the deportation, but the incident is widely believed to be politically motivated. Karua’s deportation adds to a growing list of Kenyan human rights activists and opposition figures who have been denied entry into Tanzania in recent months, all of whom have connections to Tundu Lissu’s ongoing legal struggles.

Tundu Lissu’s Treason Trial
The deportation comes at a highly charged moment for Tundu Lissu, who appeared in court on May 19, 2025, facing treason charges. Lissu, who was previously the target of a 2017 assassination attempt, has been outspoken about the need for electoral reforms in Tanzania, ahead of the country’s upcoming general elections in October 2025. He has consistently accused the Tanzanian government of stifling political opposition and curbing democracy.
In his latest court appearance, Lissu defiantly wore a shirt bearing the slogan "No reforms, no election," a clear statement of his opposition to the current electoral process in Tanzania, which he claims is heavily biased in favor of the ruling party, CCM. Lissu’s treason charges stem from his calls for political reform and accusations that the government has systematically undermined the democratic process.
The Tanzanian government has asked for a two-week extension to continue investigations into Lissu’s case. His trial is scheduled to resume on June 2, 2025, with Lissu facing the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Treason in Tanzania carries the death penalty, though this is unlikely to be enforced, given the current political climate.

Political Context and Tensions with the Government
The incident with Karua has drawn international attention to the increasingly authoritarian practices under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration. Since her election, President Hassan has faced mounting criticism from human rights organizations, opposition groups, and international bodies over her government’s crackdown on opposition leaders, journalists, and activists.

Karua, along with other Kenyan human rights defenders, has long supported Tanzania’s opposition groups and their calls for democratic reforms. The deportation of Karua underscores the growing concerns about political repression in the country as Tanzania prepares for its October 2025 elections. Hassan, who was widely praised when she assumed office for her initial steps toward opening political space, has recently hardened her stance against foreign critics of her government, warning that anyone attempting to “destabilize” Tanzania would not be tolerated.

The Tanzanian government has denied accusations of suppressing opposition and curbing political freedoms, claiming instead that it is maintaining national security and stability. However, the deportation of figures like Karua, as well as the arrests and denial of entry for other activists, has led many to question the state of democracy in the country.
Economic and Diplomatic Implications
The deportation of Karua and other international human rights activists is likely to strain Tanzania’s diplomatic relations with Kenya and the broader international community.

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