Dar es Salaam / Nairobi — November 2025:
Tensions have flared between Kenya and Tanzania after reports emerged that several Kenyans were detained in Tanzania as part of a wider post-election crackdown on foreign nationals.

Authorities in Tanzania say the operation is aimed at identifying foreigners allegedly involved in “illegal political activities” and immigration violations following the country’s recent general elections.

Kenyan Nationals Among Those Arrested

Local media and community reports indicate that a number of Kenyans living and working in Tanzania were arrested in major towns, including Arusha, Moshi, and Mwanza, over the weekend.

According to eyewitnesses, security officers carried out door-to-door checks targeting non-Tanzanian residents. Many Kenyans operating small businesses or employed in private firms were asked to present valid work and residency permits.

Some of those detained reportedly hold valid documents but were still taken in for questioning. Relatives of affected individuals have described the arrests as “arbitrary” and “politically motivated.”

Government’s Explanation

Tanzania’s Ministry of Home Affairs defended the operation, describing it as part of a broader effort to “restore order” after a heated election period.

In a statement, the ministry said the crackdown was not directed at any specific nationality but was instead a “standard post-election security measure” to ensure all foreigners comply with immigration laws.

“Tanzania remains open and friendly to all law-abiding foreign residents,” the statement read. “However, those who misuse their stay permits or engage in unauthorized activities will face the full force of the law.”

Diplomatic Concerns in Nairobi

In Kenya, news of the arrests has sparked diplomatic concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is working through official channels to confirm the number of Kenyans detained and the circumstances of their arrest.

A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Nairobi had requested “clarification and consular access” to ensure that Kenyan citizens’ rights are respected.

The incident comes just weeks after rising tensions between the two countries, following remarks by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan that were perceived by some Kenyans as hostile.

Families Call for Intervention

Families of detained Kenyans have urged the government to act swiftly. Some say they have been unable to reach their relatives since the arrests began.

“My brother runs a small shop in Arusha. He called to say police were checking business licenses. Since then, his phone has been off,” said one family member from Nakuru.

Human rights groups have also called on Tanzanian authorities to ensure due process and avoid profiling based on nationality.

Regional Implications

Analysts warn that the arrests could strain Kenya–Tanzania relations, which have already faced challenges over trade and cross-border business regulations.
Both countries are key members of the East African Community (EAC) and depend heavily on each other for trade, transport, and labor.

“This is a delicate moment,” said a Nairobi-based regional analyst. “The East African Community cannot afford friction between its two biggest economies. Dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward.”

What Happens Next

The Kenyan High Commission in Dar es Salaam is expected to issue an official statement once verification of detainees is complete.

In the meantime, civil society groups in both countries have urged calm, calling on the two governments to address the issue diplomatically and prevent further escalation.

As the post-election period unfolds in Tanzania, observers say the handling of foreign nationals will be a key test of the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and human rights.

Diplomatic tensions appear to be rising between Kenya and Tanzania after remarks made by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan sparked a wave of public hostility toward Kenyans in parts of Tanzania. The situation has triggered concern on both sides of the border and stirred debate across social media platforms.

The Remarks That Sparked the Tension

President Suluhu reportedly made comments suggesting that Tanzania must “protect its local industries” from what she described as “unequal trade advantages.” Although she did not mention Kenya directly, many Tanzanians interpreted the statement as a reference to Kenyan traders and investors operating in the country.

Since then, multiple reports on social media have claimed that some Kenyans living and doing business in Tanzania have faced verbal harassment and unfair treatment. While these claims remain unverified, they have fueled growing online discussion about the state of Tanzania–Kenya relations.

Kindiki’s Visit Adds to the Storm

The situation gained even more attention after Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki made an official trip to Tanzania earlier this week.
Critics on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms questioned the timing of the visit, saying it sent mixed signals amid the growing diplomatic tension.

Some Kenyan users suggested that the government should have sought clarification from Tanzanian authorities before sending a high-level delegation, while others defended Kindiki’s trip as a show of commitment to regional stability.

Regional Reactions and Diplomatic Concerns

Analysts say the tension underscores the fragile nature of East African diplomacy, especially between two of the region’s strongest economies. Kenya and Tanzania have enjoyed decades of cooperation under the East African Community (EAC), but their relationship has often faced friction over trade barriers, cross-border transport, and investment policies.

Diplomatic observers have urged both countries to avoid escalation and use existing EAC frameworks to address any misunderstandings.

“These moments require diplomacy, not confrontation,” said a regional policy analyst in Nairobi. “Both governments understand that trade and mobility between the two nations are critical for East Africa’s economic future.”

Kenyans Online Express Frustration

Across social media, Kenyan netizens have voiced frustration, with hashtags like #TanzaniaKenyaRelations and #KindikiInTanzania trending throughout the week.
Some users accused Tanzanian authorities of discrimination, while others called for calm, urging citizens not to let political remarks disrupt long-standing cultural and business ties.

On Tanzanian platforms, reactions were mixed. While some users defended President Suluhu’s comments as patriotic, others expressed concern that such rhetoric could damage Tanzania’s reputation as a welcoming regional partner.

Government’s Position

Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued an official statement, but sources within the government say the situation is being “closely monitored.”
Officials are expected to engage their Tanzanian counterparts through diplomatic channels to clarify the remarks and ensure the safety of Kenyans living in Tanzania.

Meanwhile, Tanzanian authorities have dismissed claims of widespread hostility, calling them “exaggerated and politically motivated.”

Looking Ahead

The latest episode highlights how sensitive cross-border relations remain between Kenya and Tanzania, despite strong economic cooperation.
Both nations share deep social, cultural, and trade ties, with thousands of citizens working and investing across their borders daily.

Analysts say how the two governments handle this moment could determine the tone of regional relations heading into 2026, as both countries navigate shifting political and economic priorities within the EAC.

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