Introduction
Kenya’s former Justice Minister and prominent human rights advocate Martha Karua has been deported from Tanzania, sparking diplomatic tensions and renewed concerns over political repression in East Africa. Karua was in Tanzania to observe the high-profile treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, leader of the Chadema party. Her deportation, along with two colleagues, adds fuel to growing allegations of democratic backsliding ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 elections.
What Led to the Deportation?
According to Karua’s People’s Liberation Party (PLP), she and her team—including Kenyan lawyer Gloria Kimani and rights activist Lynn Ngugi—were subjected to hours of interrogation by Tanzanian authorities before being forcibly returned to Kenya on 18 May 2025. Tanzanian officials have yet to issue a formal statement.
The group had entered the country to observe legal proceedings against Lissu, who is facing treason charges stemming from a rally he held under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election.”
Political Context: Tensions Around the Lissu Trial
Lissu, known as a fearless government critic and survivor of a 2017 assassination attempt, has been a thorn in the side of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Following his arrest in April 2025, his Chadema party was banned from participating in the upcoming October elections after it refused to sign what it calls a repressive electoral code of conduct.
With treason being a capital offense in Tanzania, Lissu remains behind bars without the possibility of bail. His supporters argue the charges are politically motivated and designed to silence dissent.
Regional Implications and Human Rights Concerns
Karua, a vocal advocate for democracy in East Africa, previously represented Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who was forcibly repatriated to Uganda under similar circumstances. Human rights observers have linked her deportation to a broader strategy of suppressing external scrutiny of Tanzania’s political trials.
The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition condemned the deportations as “arbitrary” and noted that Karua had previously been allowed to attend Lissu’s April 15 court session without interference.
John Mnyika, general secretary of Chadema, slammed the government’s move: “The solution to hiding the shame of a false treason case is not to detain foreign lawyers, but to drop the case altogether.”
The Return of Repression?
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, initially praised for promoting openness after the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, is now facing accusations of reverting to authoritarian practices. Critics say that despite early reforms, her government is once again using state machinery to undermine political opposition—a trend reminiscent of the Magufuli era.
The CCM, in power since 1977, remains dominant. With Chadema sidelined and other dissenting voices suppressed, observers fear the 2025 elections may lack true democratic competition.
Conclusion
Martha Karua’s deportation is not just a diplomatic incident; it symbolizes a deeper struggle over democracy and accountability in East Africa. As Tanzania gears up for a critical election, the silencing of observers and opposition leaders raises urgent questions about transparency, human rights, and the future of political pluralism in the region.
For deeper insights into the Lissu case and Tanzania’s evolving political landscape, check out our article on Tundu Lissu: Tanzania’s Great Survivor.
