Kenyans Storm Tanzania Border After Suluhu Govt Arrests Leader Going To Raila's Burial
Heche was reportedly arrested on Saturday afternoon, October 18, at the Isibania One Stop Border Post while en route to attend Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Chaos erupted at the Kenya–Tanzania border after an angry crowd from both countries stormed the immigration offices, demanding the release of Tanzanian opposition leader John Heche.
Heche was reportedly arrested on Saturday afternoon, October 18, at the Isibania One Stop Border Post while en route to attend Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County.
Following his arrest, the CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson posted a short video confirming that authorities had detained him and seized his passport.
An undated photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and CHADEMA party leader John Heche during a past meeting. /CITIZEN DIGITAL
In the clip, Heche said the officers failed to explain why he was being held and accused them of acting unlawfully.
"I have been blocked from entering Kenya. I am here at the border, and they want to detain me without any legal authority. I don't have anything because they have taken my passport," he stated.
His detention triggered outrage among Kenyans and Tanzanians, with many questioning the motive behind his arrest.
In solidarity with Heche, a crowd of Kenyans reportedly marched to the immigration centre where he was being held, demanding his release.
Videos circulating online showed the demonstrators advancing toward the border post while chanting, "We want Heche, release Heche."
However, police officers stationed at the border swiftly intervened, preventing the protesters from breaching the immigration offices.
Unrelenting, residents—mostly from Isebania town—continued their protest outside the gates, eventually pressuring authorities to release the opposition leader.
Once freed, Heche immediately resumed his journey to Bondo to attend the burial of the former Prime Minister, scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Shortly after his release, Heche accused the Tanzanian government, led by President Samia Suluhu, of allegedly orchestrating his arrest to frustrate him.
