Martha Karua Detained in Tanzania Amid Mounting Political Tensions

Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister, has been detained at Dar es Salaam Airport in Tanzania, raising concerns among human rights advocates over political repression ahead of upcoming elections.

Kenya's former Justice Minister, Martha Karua, has reported being detained at Tanzania's main airport after flying in to attend the court hearing of the opposition leader, Tundu Lissu. In a post on social media, Karua alongside two colleagues claimed they were facing deportation as Tanzanian authorities remain silent on the matter. Lissu, leader of the Chadema party, is facing treason charges but has been vocal about the government's attempts to stifle democracy ahead of upcoming elections.

Karua, an influential advocate for human rights, previously held the Justice Ministry role between 2005 and 2009. She gained notoriety for opposing what she describes as "democratic backsliding" in Eastern Africa. Following her detention, it was revealed that she endured a three-hour questioning at the airport, resulting in her passport being seized. She awaits deportation alongside fellow Kenyan attorney Gloria Kimani and human rights campaigner Lynn Ngugi.

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition has condemned the trio's detention, labeling it an "arbitrary arrest" and has engaged lawyers to assist their release. Activists expressed disbelief, especially since Karua was previously permitted entry to observe Lissu's court proceedings in April.

Lissu's ongoing legal challenges place him in a precarious position, as he was denied bail due to his treason charges, which carry severe penalties. His current predicament is exacerbated by the crackdown on opposition political activities in Tanzania, where he was arrested for leading a rally demanding electoral reforms.

In a related context, the ruling CCM party, in power since 1977, is expected to dominate the future elections scheduled for October. Critics claim that President Samia Suluhu Hassan, despite initial promises of political freedom, is reverting to the repressive tactics seen under former President John Magufuli’s administration. The government's stance continues to prompt questions from both national and international actors, as tensions escalate in Tanzania's political landscape.