Why Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Could Be Barred From Entering Kenya

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino is calling for Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu to be banned from entering Kenya in response to the detention of three Kenyan lawyers at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

Babu argues that Kenya should reciprocate after Tanzanian authorities detained and deported Senior Counsel Martha Karua and two others on Sunday, May 18.

In a statement, the outspoken lawmaker, known for his strong opposition to the Kenya Kwanza administration, slammed Tanzania for what he described as the unjust treatment of Kenyan nationals.

Karua had earlier revealed that immigration officers had seized her passport and held her at the airport without giving any reason.

A screengrab of PLP party leader Martha Karua (Right) and lawyers Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani speaking from the Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport on Sunday, May 18, 2025. /MARTHA KARUA

"President Samia Suluhu, it’s very worrying to mistreat Kenyans when they come to Tanzania. Detaining Her Excellency Martha Karua at Julius Nyerere International Airport is demeaning, unnecessary and amounts to a violation of rights," stated Babu Owino.

"Don’t ever come to Kenya if you can’t behave. We will not entertain such conduct unbecoming of a Leader," he added.

Karua, along with two fellow activists, was reportedly in Tanzania as part of a delegation invited by the East Africa Law Society (EALS). Their trip was ahead of a key court hearing involving former Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

Following Karua’s announcement that she was detained at the airport, multiple voices have spoken out in protest. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) demanded that the Kenyan government formally seek answers from Tanzanian authorities about the near-deportation of its members.

Activist Boniface Mwangi also criticised President Samia Suluhu’s administration, accusing it of imposing unjust restrictions just months before Tanzania’s general elections.

Former LSK president Nelson Havi condemned the move as well, questioning the role of the East African Community (EAC) and calling on President William Ruto to directly engage Suluhu. He further urged Kenya to expel the Tanzanian Ambassador if the issue isn't resolved appropriately.

"What is the purpose of the East African Community if Martha Karua is denied entry into Tanzania to practise law and is instead deported?

"This is a matter that President William Ruto ought to take up with President Samia Suluhu, and if unresolved, expel the Tanzanian ambassador," Havi stated.