Karua, Mutunga Sue Tanzania at East African Court Over ‘Unlawful Detention’ and Denied Entry
The petitioners accuse Tanzanian authorities of unlawful detention, forced deportation, and violation of regional treaties after they were denied entry into the country in May.
“We were unlawfully denied entry, our rights violated, and our passports stamped with ‘denied entry’ without any explanation,” Karua stated.
Blocked at Julius Nyerere Airport
Between May 18 and 19, Karua, Mutunga, Gloria Kimani, Lynn Ngugi, Hussein Khalid, and Hanifa Adan were barred from entering Tanzania through Julius Nyerere International Airport.
They had travelled to observe court proceedings involving Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu, but were immediately blocked and labelled persona non grata.
According to the Tanzanian government, the group was meddling in domestic affairs. However, the activists insisted their mission was peaceful and purely observational.
Legal Action Over EAC Treaty Violations
The group has now taken the matter to the EACJ, accusing Tanzania of breaching multiple articles of the East African Community Treaty.
“Tanzania must be held accountable for violating the principles of free movement, rule of law, and good governance,” said former CJ Mutunga.
The case demands:
- Special damages for losses and humiliation.
- An apology from the Tanzanian government.
- Removal of the “denied entry” stamp from their passports.
- An order restraining future travel restrictions for East African citizens.
Arrests, Abuse, and President Ruto’s Apology
The diplomatic row escalated after Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhire, who had managed to enter Tanzania, were arrested and held for four days.
Their detention triggered international outrage. Upon release, they recounted torture and abuse, further fuelling the uproar.
“We were treated like criminals. I will never forget the pain,” Boniface Mwangi said after his release.
Awaiting Hearing at EACJ Headquarters
The case now moves to the EACJ headquarters in Arusha, with a hearing date expected soon. The petitioners hope the court’s decision will protect freedom of movement and human dignity across East Africa.
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Karua, Mutunga Sue Tanzania at East African Court Over ‘Unlawful Detention’ and Denied Entry
