Martha Karua reacts after Tanzania stops opposition leader from attending Raila Odinga’s burial
By Paulette Mboga, October 19, 2025The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader, Martha Karua, has reacted sharply after reports emerged that Tanzanian authorities blocked a CHADEMA opposition leader from crossing into Kenya to attend the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The incident, which has sparked public outrage online, was revealed by Tanzanian human rights activist Liberatus Mwang’ombe on X on Sunday, October 19, 2025, who said the opposition leader was stopped at the border and had his passport confiscated.
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Mwang’ombe, in a post tagged to Martha Karua and activist Boniface Mwangi, said, “Majirani na ndugu zetu Wakenya, Mama Samia hataki Makamu M’kti wetu CHADEMA aje kumzika Baba. Kamzuia border na kumnyang’anya passport.”
The message sparked reactions from Kenyan and Tanzanian leaders, with many expressing disappointment over what they termed as unnecessary restrictions.
Karua reacts
Responding to the post, Martha Karua wrote, “True colours of Samia Suluhu,” in what appeared to be a direct criticism of the Tanzanian President’s handling of the situation.
Her reaction added to the growing debate over cross-border relations between the two countries during the mourning period of the veteran opposition leader.
In her earlier tribute, Karua described Raila Odinga as a monumental figure whose legacy of sacrifice and courage shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.
“Raila’s illustrious career, spanning decades, towers like a colossus across Kenya and the African continent. His life was a testament to courage, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to the liberation and transformation of our nation,” she said.
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Karua praised Raila’s resilience and the heavy price he paid for freedom. “He bore immense personal sacrifice, spending years behind bars and away from his loved ones in pursuit of freedom for all Kenyans.
That was his burden to carry. But with it came yours, Ida, and that of your entire family,” she added, noting that Kenya owed the Odinga family an unpayable debt of gratitude.
She remembered Raila as “a fearless defender of the people, a voice for the voiceless, and a steadfast comrade in the fight for the second liberation.” Karua said she was honoured to have worked alongside him for more than three decades.