Tanzanian opposition leader Godbless Lema was stopped at the border on Friday as he tried to cross into Kenya. The Chadema party politician was reportedly heading to Nairobi for medical treatment, but was blocked from leaving his country.
Lema said he was placed on a “stop list” by Tanzanian authorities, meaning he was not allowed to travel out of the country. He spent over four hours at the Namanga border before being forced to return to Arusha, and his passport was taken.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Lema described the experience as part of a growing crackdown on government critics in the lead-up to Tanzania’s elections in October.
“After waiting for more than 4 hours, I have officially been denied entry to Kenya. My passport has been taken away and I am now expected to go back to Arusha,” Lema wrote. “I hope this persecution will end with us and should not be passed down to our children.”
Lema has faced trouble with authorities before. In 2020, he went into exile, citing political pressure and threats to his safety. His latest encounter is being seen by many as part of a bigger picture, increased restrictions on opposition voices under President Samia Suluhu’s leadership.
The situation has stirred concern in both Tanzania and Kenya, especially after recent reports that Kenyan activists visiting Tanzania were arrested, tortured, and deported. These developments have raised serious questions about freedom of movement, human rights, and democracy in the region.
By Lucky Anyanje.