Kenya has strongly protested the detention of former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and two prominent human rights activists, Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The three were reportedly detained without explanation upon arrival in Tanzania on a solidarity mission with Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges.
In an official statement, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei urged Tanzanian authorities to release the trio, invoking regional cooperation frameworks. “We strongly urge the authorities in Tanzania to release the former Chief Justice of Kenya and his delegation, consistent with the norms of the East African Community (EAC),” he said.
According to Hanifa Adan, the group has been held at the airport since 2am without proper accommodation, food, or explanation. “It’s 3am and it’s cold here damn. I’m here with Willy Mutunga and Hussein Khalid. We all travelled in solidarity with Tundu Lissu, who has a court mention today,” she tweeted, describing deserted terminals and harsh conditions.
Hussein Khalid, a lawyer and human rights advocate, stated their presence in Tanzania was solely to observe Lissu’s legal proceedings. “They have not given reasons for the detention,” he posted on social media.
This incident follows a similar one involving Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, who was detained on Sunday alongside lawyers Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani. The three were invited to Tanzania by the East Africa Law Society (EALS) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). Karua was deported to Nairobi six hours later.
Karua condemned the detention as a violation of EAC principles. “I am concerned that, as a citizen of Jumuiya, my access within the East African Community appears inexplicably restricted,” she said, suggesting the action was politically motivated due to their interest in Tundu Lissu’s case.
The series of detentions has raised alarm over the shrinking space for regional civic engagement and judicial observation in Tanzania, particularly in politically sensitive matters. Kenya now awaits Tanzania’s response as diplomatic tensions simmer.
