Kenyan Nationals Allegedly Targeted in Tanzania Post-Election Crackdown

Regional tensions are escalating in East Africa following Tanzania’s controversial October 29, 2025 presidential election, with allegations emerging of Kenyan expatriates being targeted by security forces amid a broader crackdown on post-election unrest.

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President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a landslide victory with approximately 98% of the vote in an election that has drawn widespread criticism from opposition parties and international observers. The election was marked by the exclusion of Hassan’s main challengers, with Chadema leader Tundu Lissu jailed and charged with treason, while ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina was barred from running.

Disputed Death Toll and Unrest

The aftermath of the election has been marred by violent protests and conflicting reports about casualties. Opposition party Chadema has claimed that around 700 people died in post-election violence, while the United Nations has confirmed at least 10 deaths. The significant discrepancy in these figures has intensified calls for independent investigations into the events.

Allegations Against Kenyan Nationals

In recent days, allegations have surfaced that Tanzanian security forces have been targeting Kenyan expatriates in major cities including Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Unverified reports circulating on social media describe hotel raids, vehicle stops, visa invalidations, and border incidents allegedly involving extortion and beatings of Kenyan nationals.

These claims have not been independently confirmed by international media or human rights organizations, though they have gained traction among Kenyan social media users who have expressed frustration with what they perceive as inadequate response from their government.

President Hassan has publicly blamed foreign elements for inciting the post-election protests. Tanzanian police have issued warnings about foreign nationals allegedly entering the country illegally to destabilize the nation, specifically mentioning cities including Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

“It was not a surprise that those arrested were from other countries,” Hassan stated in reference to the protests.

Regional Diplomatic Response

The allegations have prompted criticism of Kenyan President William Ruto’s administration on social media platforms, with users accusing Nairobi of remaining silent on the reported treatment of its citizens. However, President Ruto has publicly called for dialogue in Tanzania to maintain regional stability, stopping short of directly addressing the specific allegations regarding Kenyan nationals.

The situation has raised concerns about the stability of the East African Community, with the diplomatic tensions threatening to undermine regional cooperation and integration efforts.

Calls for International Investigation

Kenyan social media users have reportedly been flooding International Criminal Court social media accounts, demanding investigations into the killings of protesters in Tanzania. The opposition Chadema party has also formally urged the ICC and United Nations to investigate the post-election violence.

As of press time, the ICC has not issued any public statement regarding potential investigations into the Tanzanian situation, and the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not released an official statement addressing the allegations of mistreatment of its nationals.

The evolving situation continues to draw attention from regional observers concerned about implications for East African unity and the treatment of foreign nationals in member states.

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