Andrew Kibe recounts arrest experience in Tanzania during Gen Z protests
By Valerian Khakayi, January 10, 2026Media personality and YouTuber Andrew Kibe has shared details of a frightening experience that saw him arrested and detained in Tanzania while travelling with a friend.
According to Kibe, they were arrested during the 2025 anti-government protest in Tanzania.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Chris the Bass, in an episode aired on Friday, January 9, 2026, Kibe said the incident happened when his friend suggested they travel to Tanzania to watch pool games.
He explained that Kenyan teams had travelled to the country through their club, and he agreed to tag along.
“My friend came to my house drunk, and he told me we should head to Tanzania to watch pool because our teams were there. Kenya had sent three teams to Tanzania through our club. I got carried again, as usual, and went,” Kibe narrated.
However, the trip took a dramatic turn at the border when his friend admitted he did not have the required travel documents. Kibe said he brushed it off, believing they could still cross since people often do.
“We get to the border, and my friend says, by the way, I do not have papers. I told him not to worry because people usually cross the border,” he said.
Kibe went on and narrated how their journey was cut short about 27 kilometres to Arusha, where they were stopped by the Tanzanian army.
He says they were arrested and later handed over to the police.
Reasons for the arrest
In addition, the media personality further revealed they spent the night in police cells after authorities discovered their passports had not been stamped.
Apart from proper documentation, Kibe added that the officers accused them of being activists who had sneaked into the country with the intention of bringing trouble or joining the then Gen-Z protest.
“27 kilometres before we got to Arusha, we were stopped by the army. They arrested us and handed us over to the police, and we spent the night in the cells because we did not have stamped passports. They would come and say we are the ones bringing trouble in Tanzania,” Kibe stated.
While in custody, Kibe admitted he was anxious and hoped officers would not check his social media accounts.
“While I was there I was hoping this guy’s do not look at my social media ,Mimi nilikuwa najificha juu nilijua wakiangalia social media italipuka,” Kibe noted.
He further claimed that the plan was to hold them until January 15, 2026, as authorities dealt with the protests and worked to restore normalcy in the country.
“Apparently, the idea was to keep us there until January 15, 2026,” he added.