Martha Karua Detained in Tanzania Amid Political Tensions

Martha Karua, the former Kenyan Justice Minister, finds herself detained at a Tanzanian airport ahead of an important court appearance for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, raising human rights concerns and scrutiny over Tanzania's political climate.

Renowned Kenyan lawyer and ex-justice minister Martha Karua has announced her detention in Tanzania shortly after arriving to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s court hearing. In a social media message, Karua detailed that she was barred from leaving the airport in Dar es Salaam, where she awaited deportation alongside fellow attorney Gloria Kimani and human rights activist Lynn Ngugi. The Tanzanian government has yet to release any official statements regarding the issue.

Lissu, who has recently been charged with treason, is set to appear in court on Monday, having been a longstanding target of government repression. Both Karua and Lissu, known for advocating for human rights and contesting government abuses, have faced governmental pressures that have drawn condemnation from various human rights organizations. Karua’s spokesperson disclosed that officials questioned her for three hours before confiscating her passport.

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition has labeled the detention as "arbitrary," denouncing the actions taken against the trio, especially since Karua was allowed entry for observing Lissu’s previous court appearance in April. The coalition is actively seeking legal measures to secure their release.

In a political context, the environment in Tanzania is increasingly tense as the country approaches presidential and parliamentary elections later this year. Following his arrest after calling for reforms, Lissu remains imprisoned, and his Chadema party has been prevented from participating in the elections due to alleged noncompliance with electoral rules.

Critics highlight that President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government has veered back into authoritative practices reminiscent of her predecessor, John Magufuli, despite initial hopes for reform when she assumed power in 2021. The ruling CCM party is anticipated to maintain its hold on power amid growing repression against dissent.