Cherargei backs Suluhu’s crackdown on activists heading to Tanzania
Nandi senator Samson Cherargei has publicly supported Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s firm stance against foreign activists interfering in her country’s internal affairs.
Speaking on Thursday, May 22, 2025, during a local TV interview, Cherargei praised the president’s decision to block Kenyan activists from entering Tanzania, saying, “These ill-behaved individuals must be disciplined. Foreign affairs are not for activists to meddle in; that responsibility lies with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
He dismissed attempts by activists to behave like opposition politicians on foreign soil, adding, “No one should act as an opposition leader in another country. We must respect Tanzania’s sovereignty and their laws.”
Activists detained, deported
The remarks follow a series of high-profile incidents in Dar es Salaam during the week.
On Monday, May 19, 2025, Boniface Mwangi was arrested at the Serena Hotel in Tanzania.
Mwangi had travelled alongside several regional activists to attend the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, whose Chadema party was recently banned from participating in the country’s October elections after calling for political reforms.
Mwangi’s wife said she has not been able to contact him since his arrest. “I have been told they are waiting for the Tanzanian government to decide whether to charge or deport him,” she said.
Regional tensions rise
Meanwhile, several other activists, including People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, were denied entry at Julius Nyerere Airport and deported.
Mutunga, together with activists Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, had travelled to show solidarity with Tanzanian human rights defenders.
These actions have sparked sharp criticism from civil society groups both within Kenya and across the region.
However, Tanzanian President Suluhu warned firmly on Monday, May 19, 2025: “We will not allow ill-mannered individuals from other countries to cross the line here,” urging security organs to prevent foreign interference.
Cherargei’s backing of the crackdown highlights growing tension between activists advocating for regional human rights and governments asserting their sovereignty.
