Kenyans outraged as Tanzania demands tougher action on activists

A fiery speech in Tanzania’s Parliament on Monday, May 26, has sparked outrage across the border in Kenya.

Maryam Omar, Member of Parliament for Pandani in Zanzibar, unapologetically defended the deportation of Kenyan politician Martha Karua, activist Boniface Mwangi, and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.

The trio, among other activists, had travelled to Tanzania to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was appearing in court.

“We really made a mistake by sending Martha Karua back, and this mistake should not happen again. How does someone bring their nonsense here, and then we return them unharmed and safe? The one who claimed they were beaten—really?”

Her comments didn’t stop there. Addressing Karua directly, she added, “We've left Martha Karua speaking freely back in Kenya. Honourable Minister, this must not happen again.”

On activist Boniface Mwangi’s claims of mistreatment while in detention, Omar was sarcastic, stating: “The one who came out of the car pretending to limp should have been beaten properly and sent back with oxygen cylinders to help them breathe.”

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The most shocking part came when she declared: “Anyone who comes here, we deal with them right here. Whoever steps into our territory—we finish it right here.”

Her speech, applauded by fellow lawmakers, has stirred debate among Kenyans, online and offline.

Martha Karua, hitting back, termed the remarks as a blatant show of disregard for both national and international legal standards.

“A country whose parliament blatantly violates its own constitution, regional laws, and international laws… cannot be expected to protect the rights of its citizens,” she posted on X.

Across social media, Omar’s remarks have garnered split opinions.

@Levyrhimes noted: “In this TZ issue, I’ve noticed most Tanzanians stand with their president, and none has castigated her on how she’s handling the opposition. Why should Kenyans interfere in their politics?”

Others took a more reflective tone, questioning the basis of the deportation and calling for better regional relations.

“Why would people be handled the way they were for just attending a court session?” asked @Eugene.

Another user added, “This kind of rhetoric only deepens divisions and undermines regional unity. Leaders should promote dialogue and understanding, not hostility.”

Still, some backed Tanzania’s remarks, stating: “We shouldn't think that we will just export our irritable and lawless manners to our neighboring sovereign states and think we’ll come back scot-free. Bad manners have consequences.”

As tensions rise, the incident has become more than just a diplomatic spat—it’s a reflection of growing political sensitivities in the region, with some Tanzanian MPs calling for the arrest of Kenyan Gen Z.

“Online harassment is done by outsiders, yes, but it's being spread on Tanzanian platforms. Where are we? Why are we allowing this? This is harassment — and clearly it’s because our President is a woman,” said MP Esther Matiko.