Kenyan police stopped a group of youth at the Namanga border. They were trying to enter Tanzania to support protests against President Samia Suluhu’s government.
The group, mainly Gen Z activists, said they wanted to stand with Tanzanians. They accused Suluhu’s administration of unfair elections and poor leadership. However, police officers at the border blocked their entry and ordered them to disperse.
According to officials, the activists lacked valid travel documents. They warned that joining political protests in another country is illegal. Therefore, the officers acted to prevent a possible diplomatic incident.
Meanwhile, security teams said the move was necessary to avoid tension between the two nations. They maintained that peace at the border remained their main priority.
Eyewitnesses said the youth carried placards and shouted slogans. They demanded fair elections and democracy across East Africa. As a result, traffic briefly slowed as police contained the situation.
In Tanzania, protests have spread to several towns. Citizens accuse Suluhu’s government of manipulating the vote and silencing critics. Consequently, opposition leaders have called for electoral reforms and justice.
However, the Tanzanian government has denied the allegations. It claims foreign actors are trying to destabilize the country. In response, police in Tanzania have increased patrols in major cities to curb unrest.
Back in Kenya, human rights groups urged both countries to respect free expression. They asked leaders to promote peace and democracy in the region.
Finally, Namanga border officials said normal operations have resumed. Still, they confirmed that security remains tight on both sides.
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