Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has defended Tanzania’s decision to deny entry to Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), emphasizing the country’s sovereign right to control its borders.
Koech, who chairs the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, called the deportation “unfortunate” but stressed that Tanzania acted within its rights.
“It’s regrettable because it undermines the East African Community’s principles of free movement. However, the final say on who enters a country lies with the host nation,” Koech stated. He added, “If Tanzania felt Karua should not be in their territory, they had every right to act accordingly.”
Speaking on Citizen TV’s DayBreak, Koech questioned Karua’s legal activities across multiple countries, suggesting, “Perhaps she should focus more on Kenya.”
He affirmed that diplomatic channels were already engaged, citing Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei’s confirmation that Kenya’s mission in Dar es Salaam had reached out to Tanzanian authorities. Koech cautioned against speculation, noting, “We’ve only heard from Martha Karua. Until we know more, it’s premature to draw conclusions.”
Koech also pointed out that deportations are not unique to Tanzania. When asked if Kenya might deport a Tanzanian opposition figure, he responded, “If the government feels the need, it will act. But we don’t engage in petty political scuffles anymore.”
In contrast, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Democracy for Citizens Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala criticized Tanzania’s move. “It was unnecessary and undermines the East African Community spirit,” said Osotsi.
Karua, a Senior Counsel, was turned away at Dar es Salaam’s Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport on Sunday. “I and two colleagues have been denied entry and are awaiting deportation,” she posted on X.
This incident follows the detention of former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and activists Hanifa Adan and Khalid Hussein during a Pan-African human rights mission in Tanzania. “They’ve given no reason for the detention,” Hussein wrote on X.
Separately, Kenyan activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi claimed he felt threatened after unidentified men, allegedly police officers, attempted to access his hotel room in Dar es Salaam late at night.
“My life is in danger… They claim to be police but won’t identify themselves. I won’t open the door,” Mwangi posted.
