Tanzanians Camp Outside UN Offices in Kenya After Govt Delays to Register Them as Refugees
Nairobi, Kenya – A group of Tanzanian asylum seekers camped outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offices in Nairobi on Monday, November 17, demanding urgent intervention following delays by the Kenyan government to formally register them as refugees.
The group, composed primarily of individuals fleeing political unrest and fearing arrest in Tanzania, expressed frustration over what they described as unfulfilled promises by Kenyan authorities to grant them refugee status. Many of the asylum seekers claimed they had escaped persecution linked to the recent general election in Tanzania, held on October 29, 2025, in which President Samia Suluhu secured a sweeping victory.
“As you all know, here in Kenya, our country, Tanzania, is no longer a democratic nation. You witnessed what transpired there recently, so we have come here to seek asylum to save our lives,” said one of the asylum seekers while addressing journalists outside the UNHCR compound.
Allegations of Intimidation and Political Persecution
The asylum seekers alleged that Tanzanian authorities had warned them against speaking to the media and accused the government of targeting opposition supporters. Most of those present identified themselves as members or sympathizers of the CHADEMA party, Tanzania’s main opposition movement.
“We are not safe in our country. We are being hunted for our political beliefs. We came to Kenya hoping for protection, but we are still waiting,” another individual stated.
Kenya’s Refugee Policy Under Scrutiny
Kenya has long hosted refugees from neighboring countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the recent influx of Tanzanian nationals seeking asylum has placed new pressure on the country’s refugee registration system.
Despite the growing number of Tanzanian asylum seekers, the Kenyan government has yet to issue a formal statement addressing their concerns. The group outside UNHCR claimed that previous assurances from Kenyan officials had not materialized, prompting them to seek direct assistance from the UN agency.
“We were told we would be registered, but nothing has happened. We are now appealing to the UN to help us,” one of the asylum seekers said.
Regional Political Context
The protest comes just days after President Suluhu ordered the review and withdrawal of charges against hundreds of youths arrested during post-election demonstrations. In her November 13 address, Suluhu acknowledged that many of the detained individuals may have been misled.
“Many of these young people did not know what they were doing. They were merely following the crowd,” she said.
Suluhu’s landslide victory, with nearly 98 percent of the vote, has drawn criticism from opposition groups and international observers, who have raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process and the treatment of dissenting voices.
Conclusion
As the Tanzanian asylum seekers await clarity on their status, the situation has reignited debate over Kenya’s refugee policies and its role in regional humanitarian protection. The UNHCR has yet to issue a public statement on the matter, while pressure mounts on the Kenyan government to respond to the growing calls for registration and protection.
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Tanzanians Camp Outside UN Offices in Kenya After Govt Delays to Register Them as Refugees
