Wamuzi News Ke
A diplomatic firestorm has erupted between Kenya and Tanzania after the dramatic detention and deportation of three Kenyan lawyers at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam — sparking national outrage and bold calls for retaliation.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, never one to shy away from controversy, has now demanded an unprecedented response: ban Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu from stepping foot on Kenyan soil.
“If she can’t respect our citizens, she has no business setting foot in our country,” Owino declared in a fiery statement Sunday, March 18.
Among the detained was Senior Counsel Martha Karua, a respected opposition figure and legal icon. She claims Tanzanian immigration officers confiscated her passport and held her without explanation, despite being on official invitation from the East Africa Law Society.
“This is an insult not just to Martha Karua, but to every Kenyan,” Owino fumed. “It’s dehumanizing, unlawful, and a clear violation of our rights.”
The outspoken MP, a frequent critic of the Kenya Kwanza regime, said Kenya must “mirror the hostility” shown by Tanzanian authorities. His warning to President Suluhu was blunt:
“Don’t ever come to Kenya if you can’t behave. We will not entertain such conduct unbecoming of a leader.”
Karua had traveled with two fellow activists under EALS invitation — but the trip took a dark turn at the airport, where all three were allegedly held before being forced to return to Kenya.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from top Kenyan voices. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) issued a statement demanding answers from the Tanzanian government. They’ve urged Nairobi to lodge a formal protest.
Activist Boniface Mwangi slammed the Tanzanian regime for what he called “dictatorial antics,” especially alarming with elections looming in the neighboring country.
Even former LSK president Nelson Havi weighed in with force, challenging the entire purpose of the East African Community:
“What’s the point of EAC if Kenyan lawyers can’t cross the border without being harassed? President Ruto must confront President Suluhu — and if nothing changes, expel the Tanzanian Ambassador.”
As tensions mount, eyes are now on State House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Will Kenya take a stand — or back down in the face of blatant regional provocation?
This is a developing story.
