National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech has weighed in on the controversial decision by Tanzanian authorities to deny entry to Martha Karua, leader of Kenya’s People’s Liberation Party (PLP). While acknowledging Tanzania’s sovereign right to determine who enters its borders, Koech expressed concern that the action contradicts the spirit of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, which guarantees free movement across member states.
Speaking during a Citizen TV interview on Monday, Koech noted, “The right to admit any citizen is a reserve of the government that they are visiting. If the Tanzanian government feels that Martha Karua is not supposed to be in their country, they have a right and probably have reasons.” However, he emphasized that such actions could undermine regional integration and cooperation.
Karua, a former Kenyan Justice Minister, was detained and deported from Tanzania on Sunday alongside Kenyan lawyers Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani. The trio had been invited by the East Africa Law Society (EALS) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to attend a regional legal forum. Karua claimed the denial of entry was likely due to their perceived interest in the politically charged case of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
In a statement, Karua expressed disappointment, saying, “I am concerned that, as a citizen of Jumuiya, my access within the East African Community (EAC) appears inexplicably restricted.”
Koech acknowledged that only Karua’s side of the story has been publicized, as Tanzanian authorities are yet to issue an official explanation. Nonetheless, he suggested that Karua should reconsider her regional engagements and instead focus on Kenyan issues. “There are lawyers in Tanzania. Karua is not the only lawyer who must represent political detainees,” he said.
While expressing sympathy for Karua’s ordeal, Koech reiterated that member states should uphold the principles of the EAC Treaty. “This action sets a worrying precedent,” he noted, urging for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to avoid future incidents.
