Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan government has lodged formal complaints with Tanzanian authorities regarding its citizens living in the neighbouring country.
This follows reports that the rights and safety of several Kenyan nationals in Tanzania, under President Samia Suluhu, have been violated.
The high-level diplomatic action was confirmed in a statement by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, who outlined recent engagements with his Tanzanian counterpart.
What action has the government taken on the rights of Kenyans in Tanzania?
Mudavadi stated that he held “productive consultations by phone” with Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, with the “welfare and protection of Kenyans” as the central topic.
The statement noted that the call was prompted by “recent reports involving incidents where the rights of certain Kenyan nationals were infringed.”
“For these specific matters, formal reports have been submitted to the Tanzanian authorities for appropriate action,” Mudavadi confirmed.
During the discussion, the Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasised Kenya’s position, stating that he “reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity” of the Kenyan community.
The Cabinet Secretary also praised the diaspora’s contribution, noting that they “continue to make a positive impact on Tanzania’s economy through entrepreneurship, trade, and professional services.”
How Kenya and Tanzania will resolve the diplomatic issue
“Hon. Kombo and I agreed that any concerns arising will be addressed through the established diplomatic and consular channels,” he said.
He added that this process would be conducted in “full adherence to international conventions and the principles of the East African Community Common Market Protocol.”
Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the “warm and historic relations” between the two nations.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working with the High Commission in Dar es Salaam, remains steadfast in ensuring that all Kenyan citizens in Tanzania receive the necessary support and consular assistance at all times,” said Mudavadi.
Why Tanzanian govt is blaming Kenyans
During her swearing-in ceremony, President Samia Suluhu claimed that most of those caught disrupting peace in the country were foreigners.
Protests erupted in the East African member country on the eve of the presidential elections, which saw Suluhu declared the winner by the Tanzanian electoral commission.
The United Nations also raised concerns over electoral malpractices in the country and how the Tanzanian authorities handled protesters.
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