Kenyan activists blocked from Tanzania ahead of Lissu treason trial

Several prominent Kenyan human rights activists, including a former justice minister, say they were denied entry into Tanzania over the weekend as they sought to attend the high-profile treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

The activists, who had intended to show solidarity with Lissu and observe the court proceedings, were turned away at the Namanga border crossing. According to statements from the group, Tanzanian authorities gave no formal explanation for the denial.

“We were acting in our capacity as observers and supporters of democracy and human rights,” said the former Kenyan justice minister, who asked not to be named for security reasons. “Our presence was peaceful and intended to uphold principles of transparency in a case that has drawn international concern.”

Tundu Lissu, a firebrand politician and vocal critic of the Tanzanian government, was charged with treason last month.

Prosecutors allege that he delivered a speech inciting rebellion and calling on the public to disrupt the upcoming general elections scheduled for October. Lissu has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated.

Lissu, who narrowly escaped death after being shot 16 times in a 2017 assassination attempt, finished second in the 2020 presidential election and remains a key opposition figure in Tanzanian politics.

His supporters have called the trial an attempt to sideline him ahead of another potential presidential run.

The barring of the Kenyan delegation has sparked regional concern. Rights groups in both Kenya and Tanzania condemned the move, saying it undermines regional cooperation and raises fears of growing authoritarianism in East Africa.

“Preventing independent observers from entering the country sets a troubling precedent,” said George Kegoro, a veteran human rights advocate in Nairobi.

“Tanzania should be encouraging transparency, not silencing scrutiny.”

There has been no official comment from Tanzanian authorities on the incident.

Lissu’s trial is expected to continue this week amid tight security in Dodoma.

International observers, including the East African Law Society and Amnesty International, have called for a fair and open judicial process.