Tension As Tanzania Police Block Kenyans From Joining Protests At Namanga Border
The chaos at the border followed days of demonstrations that have gripped major Tanzanian cities since Wednesday, October 29.
Marvin Chege 
Tension flared along the Kenya–Tanzania border in Namanga after protests broke out amid unrest linked to the recent elections in Tanzania.
The chaos at the border followed days of demonstrations that have gripped major Tanzanian cities since Wednesday, October 29.
Footage seen by Viral Tea captured groups of young people on motorbikes heading toward the border from the Kenyan side, where police had already been deployed in large numbers.
Protesters use a Kenya Police anti-riot shield to protect themselves from tear gas canisters and rubber bullets amid clashes during demonstrations in downtown Nairobi, on July 2, 2024. /AFP
While it’s still uncertain whether the youth were really intent on joining their Tanzanian counterparts in the protests, early reports suggest the anger was fueled by police officers restricting movement across the border.
In one clip, a protester could be heard shouting, “Leave us alone, focus on Tanzania.”
Thursday marked the second straight day of unrest at the Namanga border, which had already been under tight security on Wednesday during Tanzania’s voting period.
Journalists attempting to cross into Tanzania to cover the election were also denied access. Some reported that internet connectivity around Namanga was extremely poor — even on the Kenyan side.
Amid the growing tension, Interior PS Raymond Omollo warned Kenyans against joining the protests in solidarity with Tanzanians, saying such actions could breach Kenyan law.
"I don't want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania. I can speak about Kenya. My point is, as a country, we have laws and regulations and guides on demonstrations. Anyone who wants to participate in any form of protests, let's do what the law requires us to do," Omollo said on Thursday while in Mombasa.
He added, "I want to appeal to anyone not to take the law into their hands and do what is required. If there is any point of inconvenience, the officers at the border will be in a position to advise so that we don't endanger anyone."
Businesses along the border have been forced to close as tension remains high, with Tanzanian youth vowing to continue their protests until the elections are annulled.
In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu appears headed for a sweeping victory after her main challenger, opposition leader Tundu Lissu, was detained — prompting his party to boycott the polls over alleged irregularities.
To control the escalating protests, Tanzanian authorities imposed a 6 p.m. curfew on Wednesday.
