Alai tells Tanzanians not to blame Kenyans for election protests
By Aloys Michael, November 4, 2025Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has hit back at claims that foreigners, including Kenyans, were behind the recent anti-government protests in Tanzania.
His remarks came after President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the demonstrations were infiltrated by outsiders.
Also Watch: Tanzanian youth protest at Namanga border over alleged election irregularities
In an X post on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Alai urged Tanzanians to take responsibility for the unrest instead of pointing fingers at neighbouring countries.
“Tanzanians, don’t blame Kenyans or any other foreigners for the protest and murders in your country. Blame yourselves,” he wrote.
Alai said it was unfair to accuse Kenyans or Ugandans of involvement in Tanzania’s internal affairs, insisting that foreigners cannot enter a country without local approval.
“I see blame being pushed to Kenyans and Ugandans. No foreigner gets into your country without your invitation and support,” the X post read.
He further urged Tanzanians to reflect on their leadership and political situation instead of externalising the crisis.
“Blame yourselves and your leaders. Please don’t blame us,” Alai said.
Also Watch: Tanzania orders public servants to work from home amid poll unrest
Samia faults foreigners
Speaking during her swearing-in ceremony for a second term in office on Monday, November 3, 2025, in Dodoma, Samia addressed the violence that followed the disputed General Election.
“Wote tunaoitakia mema nchi hii, tumehuzunishwa na matukio ya uvunjifu wa amani, upotevu wa maisha na uharibifu wa mali kwenye baadhi ya maeneo. Kilichotokea hakiendani na taswira na sifa za Kitanzania, na sio Utanzania. Haikutushangaza kuona kuwa baadhi ya vijana waliokamatwa wametoka nje ya Tanzania,” she said.
The ceremony was held at a military parade ground under tight security and attended only by invited leaders. There was no public attendance, but the event was broadcast live by the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).
It came after days of tension and violent protests across parts of the country, with the opposition rejecting the election results as a sham.
Hundreds of Tanzanians are feared dead or severely injured during the protests.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) had earlier issued a travel advisory warning its citizens against all but essential travel to Tanzania.
The notice cited widespread disruption and unrest following the October 29, 2025, election.
According to the FCDO, Tanzania is facing severe shortages of food, fuel, and cash, which have disrupted livelihoods and left thousands of people struggling.
“FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Tanzania. This is due to disruption and unrest following the October 29, 2025, election. There are shortages of food, fuel, and cash, compounded by the lack of internet services,” the UK government said in its statement on Sunday, November 2, 2025.