The Kenyan government has issued a stern warning to its citizens against participating in or expressing support for ongoing protests in Tanzania, as tensions along the border rise following disputed elections in the neighboring country.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, cautioned that any Kenyan attempting to cross into Tanzania to join demonstrations or engage in activities that threaten public order will face the full force of the law.
“I wouldn’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania, but I can speak about Kenya on matters of security. As a country, we have laws and rules that guide demonstrations or protests. Let’s do what the law allows us to do,” Dr. Omollo said.
His remarks come amid viral videos showing Kenyans expressing solidarity with Tanzanian protesters who accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of election malpractice and repression.
The demonstrations have turned violent in several Tanzanian cities, with reports of injuries and a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by security forces.
Dr. Omollo reaffirmed that Kenya respects Tanzania’s sovereignty but warned that any actions compromising peace at the border would not be tolerated.
“For our friends in Tanzania, we believe they have laws governing their country. They are our friendly neighbours and we wish them well. Anything outside the law, on the Kenyan side, we will deal with firmly,” he stated.
The Interior Ministry has heightened surveillance at border points including Namanga, Isebania, and Lunga Lunga, with multi-agency teams directed to monitor movements and prevent illegal crossings. Security personnel have also been placed on standby to respond to any spillover unrest.
Dr. Omollo, who had just concluded a security assessment at the Kenya School of Government and the Joint Operations Centre in Mombasa, also addressed concerns over illicit trade and narcotics smuggling. He pointed to the recent seizure of an Iranian vessel carrying over a tonne of methamphetamine as evidence of the government’s tightened maritime and border controls.
“Our police are competent enough to deal with any situation in Kenya,” he added, urging traders and travelers to cooperate with authorities and avoid misinformation spreading online.
The protests in Tanzania, sparked by claims of electoral fraud, have disrupted internet connectivity and slowed customs operations at key crossings, affecting regional trade. Observers from the African Union and the East African Community are monitoring the situation as part of efforts to ensure transparency in the vote tallying process.
As East Africa’s economic hub watches the turmoil across the border, Nairobi’s message remains clear—Kenya will not allow its citizens to be drawn into the unrest engulfing its southern neighbour.
