Tensions Rise At Namanga Border As Kenyan Youth Join Tanzania Election Protests

Tensions escalated dramatically along the Kenya-Tanzania border at the busy crossing town of Namanga on Thursday, marking the second day of unrest following the contentious general elections in neighboring Tanzania.

The border disturbance occurred amid growing demonstrations that have rocked major Tanzanian cities since Wednesday, October 29. While the exact motivation for the Kenyan protesters remains unclear, early reports indicate their frustration stemmed from police blocking movement into or out of Tanzania. One protester was heard shouting, “Leave us alone, focus on Tanzania,” suggesting an attempt to join the cross-border demonstrations.

Government Warning and Border Security

The border town of Namanga had been heavily protected by security forces on Wednesday during the voting stage of the Tanzanian polls. However, the subsequent civil unrest led to a security and media blackout that affected even the Kenyan side. Journalists attempting to cross the border to cover the Tanzanian elections were blocked, with some reporting little to no internet access even while still on Kenyan soil.

Amid these developments, the Kenyan government, through Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, issued a stern warning to Kenyans intending to participate in the Tanzanian demonstrations.

“I don’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania. I can speak about Kenya… Anyone who wants to participate in any form of protests, let’s do what the law requires us to do,” Omollo stated in Mombasa on Thursday.

He appealed to citizens to obey the law and avoid endangering themselves, adding that border officers would advise on any point of inconvenience.

Election Aftermath and Curfew

The protests in both countries reflect intense dissatisfaction with the Tanzanian polls, which saw opposition groups call for a boycott. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is currently on course for a landslide victory, as the main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, remains in detention and his party opted out, citing unfair conditions.

As tensions soared, Tanzanian police had already imposed a 6 pm curfew on Wednesday in a bid to quell protesters who are now insisting their demonstrations will persist until the elections are declared null and void. The continuous unrest has forced businesses along the Namanga border to shut down as the situation remains volatile.