Kalonzo slams Tanzania over Karua’s deportation, warns of EAC democratic backslide

Speaking during the consecration and enthronement of Canon Patrick Kyalo Munuve as the new Bishop at ACK Cathedral in Machakos, Musyoka decried what he termed as rising authoritarianism in the region.

He also accused Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of being weaponized against county governors and political figures critical of President William Ruto’s administration.

“Martha Karua’s deportation is a regrettable affront to the principles of democracy, open borders, and mutual respect among East African nations,” Kalonzo said.

Karua, a Senior Counsel and former Kenyan Minister of Justice, revealed on Sunday that she was denied entry into Tanzania and deported back to Nairobi. She was accompanied by Gloria Kimani, a Council Member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and Lynn Ngugi, a member of the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network.

The three were travelling to Tanzania at the invitation of the East Africa Law Society to observe court proceedings related to Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Karua wrote: “I have been denied entry into Tanzania and I and two colleagues are awaiting deportation at Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam.”

According to Karua, her passport was flagged by an immigration official upon arrival at 9:00 a.m., before being referred to a supervisor. After an hour of consultations, she was informed that she would not be allowed entry and was subsequently placed on a Kenya Airways flight back to Nairobi, arriving shortly after 4:00 p.m.

Karua linked the deportation to her active involvement in advocating for the release of Chadema party chairman Tundu Lissu, who was arrested in April and charged with treason after calling for electoral reforms at a public rally. Karua and her team were scheduled to attend a hearing at the Kisutu Magistrates' Court on Monday, May 19.

“I am concerned that as a citizen of the East African Community, my access to another member state appears inexplicably restricted,” Karua stated.

The People’s Liberation Party issued a strongly worded statement condemning the deportation as “disgraceful,” labeling it a violation of human rights and a betrayal of EAC protocols.

“That a prominent East African stateswoman can be treated in this manner, without due process or cause, is a stain on the integrity of regional cooperation,” the party said. “This shameful action by President Samia Suluhu's regime reflects a deep-seated fear of democratic scrutiny and the retrogressive entrenchment of authoritarian rule in Tanzania.”

Human rights organizations and legal bodies also voiced concern. Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton said the action undermined fundamental rights and eroded international trust in Tanzania’s judiciary.

The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) expressed “deep shock” at the deportation, calling it a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The organization called for an apology from Tanzanian authorities and assurances that Karua and her colleagues would be allowed to freely participate in future legal observation missions.

PALU noted that Karua had previously attended hearings for Lissu in May 2024 without obstruction.

The incident is likely to heighten tensions within the EAC and raise questions about member states’ commitment to democratic principles and regional cooperation.