Wamuzi News Ke
A diplomatic firestorm has erupted in East Africa after Tanzania’s ruling party issued a stinging public rebuke to Kenyan politician Martha Karua, warning her to stop meddling in their internal affairs.
On Friday, Stephen Wasira, Vice Chair of Tanzania’s powerful Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), fired back at Karua’s vocal support for detained Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu—accusing her of overstepping her boundaries and stirring political unrest.
“I heard her loud and clear,” Wasira said with unmistakable irritation. “Karua came here and claimed that CCM is afraid of Chadema. Let me set the record straight—no party in Tanzania intimidates CCM.”
Karua, leader of Kenya’s People’s Liberation Party, had traveled to Tanzania to witness Lissu’s treason trial and publicly condemned what she described as human rights violations and political persecution by CCM. Her bold move shocked many—and clearly angered Tanzania’s top brass.
While some hailed her actions as courageous Pan-African solidarity, Tanzanian authorities saw it differently. Wasira accused Karua of fueling political tension and spreading false narratives, insisting Tanzania’s judicial matters are none of her concern.
“We don’t interfere with court proceedings, and we don’t fear anyone,” Wasira declared. “Karua needs to focus on the issues plaguing her own country. If she has extra time, she should try solving the chaos in the DRC or South Sudan instead.”
The tone was blunt, the message unmistakable: Back off.
In a swift and fiery response, Karua thanked Wasira for acknowledging her—but slammed his remarks as tone-deaf and dismissive of the real atrocities unfolding in Tanzanian courts.
“What about the bloodied citizens? The beatings? The deaths? What about the police brutality in broad daylight at Kisutu court?” she asked. “You’ve ignored the real issue—constitutional violations and unchecked state violence.”
As the war of words escalates, analysts warn that this clash could spark wider diplomatic ripples across the East African region. Will Karua double down, or will Tanzania tighten its grip even further?
