Tanzania Deports Kenya’s Ex-Justice Minister – Is Democracy Under Threat?
(Source: BBC)
What Happened?
Martha Karua, Kenya’s former justice minister and a top human rights lawyer, was detained, questioned for hours, and then deported by Tanzanian authorities. According to the BBC, she was stopped from attending the court case of Tundu Lissu, Tanzania’s main opposition leader, who faces treason charges (which can carry the death penalty).
Two Kenyan colleagues traveling with her were also detained and sent back home. Tanzania’s government has not explained why.
Why Is This Big News?
- Karua is a famous democracy activist in East Africa, fighting what she calls “shrinking freedoms” in the region.
- She was in Tanzania to support Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 (BBC reports he was shot 16 times).
- Lissu’s party, Chadema, says the treason case is fake and meant to silence him before October elections.
Tanzania’s Crackdown on Opposition?
Human rights groups (BBC sources) say Tanzania is increasingly repressive ahead of elections:
- Lissu was arrested after protesting for fair election laws.
- His party, Chadema, has now been banned from the October vote.
- The government forces parties to sign a “code of conduct”, which critics call a trick to control opposition.
Karua’s Fight for Justice
- She once ran for Kenya’s vice president (2022) and now leads her own opposition party.
- She also defends Uganda’s Besigye, another opposition figure kidnapped and charged with treason.
- Her deportation raises questions: Is Tanzania afraid of outside witnesses?
What’s Next?
- Lissu remains in jail—no bail for treason charges.
- Tanzania’s ruling party (CCM, in power since 1977) is likely to win the election.
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan promised more freedom, but critics say repression is returning.
Final Thought (BBC Insight)
Is this a sign of East Africa’s democracy crisis? With opposition leaders jailed, parties banned, and lawyers deported, who will speak for fair elections?
Want More?
Follow BBC for updates on Tanzania’s political battle.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czdynd8l4pqo