Kenya and Tanzania Vow to Safeguard Ties Amid Post-Election Tensions

Kenya, 6 November 2025 – Kenya and Tanzania have vowed to uphold their longstanding ties, following high-level diplomatic consultations over the welfare of Kenyan nationals in the wake of last month's contentious Tanzanian General Election.

The talks, convened between Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr Musalia Mudavadi, and Tanzania's Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, centred on safeguarding the rights and security of Kenyans living and working across the border.

Dr Mudavadi stressed the importance of protecting expatriates who contribute meaningfully to Tanzania's economy through lawful enterprises, while highlighting reports of rights violations against several individuals.

According to Deutsche Welle, at least some Kenyans have lost their lives in the unrest, with Kenyan media outlets reporting allegations of a heavy-handed crackdown by Tanzanian authorities on foreigners in hotels, lodges, and even private residences suspected of sheltering undocumented visitors.

Among the victims was John Okoth Ogutu, a 33-year-old teacher who had resided in Dar es Salaam for over a decade.

His family, including sister Jennifer Atieno, learned of his death from a friend who witnessed him being shot by snipers.

"We received word from his friend, who saw him gunned down after they parted ways," Ms Atieno recounted.

Ogutu's brother, Evans Odhiambo, added that further intelligence suggested the body may have been removed by police to conceal evidence, as has allegedly occurred with other remains. These incidents have been formally lodged with Tanzanian officials for investigation and resolution.

Tanzania has pledged full legal safeguards for all legitimate foreign residents, with both ministers committing to resolve disputes via established diplomatic avenues, in keeping with East African Community protocols.

The dialogue unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions after Tanzania's 29 October poll, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party claimed victory with nearly 98% of the vote – her first full elected term. She took over presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli.

The result, decried as deeply flawed by observers, followed the exclusion of her primary challengers: Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) leader Tundu Lissu, who was incarcerated since April and faced treason charges, and ACT-Wazalendo's Luhaga Mpina, barred over purported membership irregularities, which he dismissed as "nonsense".

On Wednesday, the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), headed by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, issued a preliminary report condemning the vote for failing to adhere to AU democratic benchmarks and international norms.

The 72-strong team, covering 17 regions including Zanzibar, cited procedural lapses, outbreaks of violence, ballot irregularities, and a nationwide internet blackout that eroded transparency.

"The elections did not comply with AU principles and standards for democratic elections," the report stated, urging swift electoral and political reforms to rebuild trust.

Political analyst Barrack Muluka remarked that the AU observers’ statement has left Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf with egg on his face, having congratulated President Hassan amid the protests and unrest.

“Youssouf ought to have awaited the report and assessed the situation fully before dispatching any message to the Tanzanian government,” Dr Muluka said.

Protests erupted in Dar es Salaam – the epicentre of election-day disturbances – and other urban centres, with CHADEMA alleging that fatalities in clashes with security forces were in the range of 700 to 1,000 people, a figure vehemently contested by the government.

President Hassan and police chief Inspector-General Camillus Wambura have pinned the turmoil on foreign agitators, accusing undocumented migrants of infiltrating via porous borders to stoke disorder.

Citizens were exhorted to report "suspicious" outsiders, with harbouring them risking prosecution – a narrative that has sown dread among Tanzania's Kenyan community.

Many now describe themselves as "marked individuals", curtailing travel and communications amid whispers of surveillance, as noted by Daily Nation newspaper.

The violence that started on the election put border communities at risk, particularly at the Namanga border, where some Kenyans reported that there were significant disruptions.

The back and forth at the frontier triggered tear-gas volleys, road blockades, and shop shutdowns that crippled regional trade.

Kenyan authorities have raised alarms about the knock-on effects for commerce and investor sentiment in East Africa. The Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam, having reinstated full operations post-curfew, has counselled nationals to exercise caution and report hazards promptly.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has beseeched citizens at home and abroad to furnish details of vulnerable relatives for consular aid.

In his remarks, Dr Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya's steadfast devotion to enduring partnerships and deeper EAC integration, with both nations lauding their history of fruitful collaboration.

Analysts view the parley as a tentative step towards de-escalation, though thorny matters such as electoral overhauls which are country-specific, and cross-border liberties linger unresolved.

As East Africa observes warily, the crisis lays bare the precariousness of regional solidarity in the face of internal upheavals. For now, Kenya's diaspora arm maintains vigilant liaison with its Tanzanian outpost to furnish sustained assistance.