GOVERNMENT BREAKS SILENCE ON KENYAN NATIONALS TARGETED IN TANZANIA

The High Commission reassured the Kenyan community that their welfare and safety remain a top priority and that normal operations at the Mission have resumed after election-related curfews were lifted.

“The welfare and safety of Kenyans residing in Tanzania remains a top priority for the Mission,” the statement read in part.

The government is in constant communication with Tanzanian authorities to ensure protection of Kenyan rights and has urged Kenyans to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while advising them to report any security concerns immediately via an official helpline.

“The Mission encourages all Kenyans to continue with their lawful normal activities as usual,” the statement added, noting that further advisories and updates would be shared through official communication channels and community networks.

The hostile environment stems from President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration blaming foreign nationals, including Kenyans, for post-election protests and unrest.

President Suluhu accused some arrested youth of being foreigners meddling in Tanzania’s affairs and pledged to protect national sovereignty “through all means.”

The government has conducted security sweeps targeting foreigners, with reports of soldiers stopping vehicles, searching people, and detaining individuals even with valid permits.

“What happened is not Tanzanian and not part of our culture. It did not surprise us that some of the youth arrested were from outside the country,” President Suluhu stated.

This tense situation follows earlier diplomatic strains over Tanzania’s ban on Kenyans and other foreigners operating in select business sectors, which Kenya challenged at the East African Community (EAC) level.

Kenya has pursued diplomatic talks with Tanzania to safeguard Kenyan nationals and businesses, aiming to resolve issues through dialogue and uphold regional trade and movement agreements.