Prominent Kenyan Politician Martha Karua Detained in Tanzania

Martha Karua and Two Others Detained at Tanzanian Airport, Awaiting Deportation Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Prominent Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua was unexpectedly detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam on May 18th, 2025, along with two other women. The three were reportedly awaiting deportation, a development that has sparked widespread concern and questions about the reasons behind their detention. The women, all members of the East African Law Society, filmed a short video expressing their surprise and dismay. "We thought that as citizens of Jumuiya, we were free," one of the women stated in the video, referring to the East African Community. Another added, "This is not what Mwalimu Nyerere envisioned." Their comments highlight a sense of betrayal and frustration at being detained in a country known for its history of welcoming those oppressed in Africa. The incident has raised questions about potential political motivations behind the detention, particularly given Karua's prominent role in Kenyan politics. While the Tanzanian authorities have yet to release an official statement, the video has garnered significant attention, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in such cases. The situation remains fluid, but the unexpected detention of Karua and her companions serves as a reminder of the complexities of regional politics and the ongoing challenges to freedom of movement within East Africa.