The recent detention and deportation of Martha Karua, the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader, at Tanzania’s Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Airport has ignited a diplomatic row and raised serious questions about the credibility of regional integration within the East African Community (EAC).
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has strongly condemned the incident, calling on President William Ruto to directly engage Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu over the matter. “What is the purpose of the East African Community if Martha Karua is denied entry into Tanzania to practice law, and is instead deported?” Havi asked, highlighting the contradiction between the principles of the EAC and Tanzania’s actions.
Karua revealed via her verified X (formerly Twitter) account that she was detained upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, with her passport confiscated by immigration officials. She was reportedly held at the airport for over an hour without explanation, alongside Kenyan lawyers and human rights advocates Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani. All three were guests of the East Africa Law Society (EALS) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), reportedly in Tanzania to observe proceedings in the case of detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
Karua expressed concern about the EAC’s effectiveness, stating, “I am concerned that, as a citizen of Jumuiya, my access within the East African Community appears inexplicably restricted.” She suggested that their denied entry was politically motivated due to their interest in Lissu’s case.
Havi further escalated the matter by urging the Kenyan government to consider diplomatic retaliation. “If unresolved, expel the Tanzanian ambassador,” he asserted.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among legal and human rights circles in the region, with calls for an official explanation from Tanzanian authorities. Critics argue that actions like these undermine the spirit of regional cooperation and freedom of movement, central tenets of the EAC.
As the situation develops, all eyes are now on President Ruto’s next move and whether the matter will be diplomatically resolved or lead to further tensions between the two neighbouring nations.
