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| Dr Ally Simba |
By Dr Ally Simba, Nairobi, Kenya
As I write this article from my hotel room in Nairobi, I’ve had the opportunity to closely follow both mainstream and online media coverage here in Kenya regarding the recent events surrounding Tanzania’s decision to deny entry to certain foreign individuals and arrest others, including Boniface Mwangi.
The reactions among Kenyans are mixed—some voices are strongly supportive of
Tanzania’s decision, while others express concern and disapproval.
This, in my view, is a healthy and democratic debate—the kind that should be encouraged across the East African region.
However, amidst all the noise and commentary, one thing must be clearly understood: this is not a diplomatic dispute between Kenya and Tanzania.
Those individuals were not
traveling in their official capacities or representing the Government of Kenya.
They came on personal missions, and the actions taken by Tanzanian authorities
were in response to individual conduct—not against a sister nation.
Lawful Travel and
Mutual Respect
Having traveled extensively across the East African Community (EAC) as
part of my professional responsibilities, I know firsthand what cross-border
cooperation looks like when done respectfully. I have visited Kenya, Uganda,
Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan many times and have never encountered any
challenges, because I always ensured that my travel was legal, documented,
and transparent. My passport is always stamped, and I carry relevant supporting
documents, including clearly stating the reason for my visit.
I don’t do this because I fear trouble—I do it because I respect the
laws of my host countries, just as I expect visitors to Tanzania to respect
ours. That is the essence of mutual respect, and it is the glue that holds
together the dream of regional integration.
Tanzania Was Right
to Act
The individuals who were denied entry or arrested in Tanzania recently
were attempting to attend or influence a highly sensitive court case involving
opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges. Let us be clear:
this is not about silencing dissent—it is about upholding national order and
protecting the integrity of legal institutions.
The Government of Tanzania, under the leadership of President Samia
Suluhu Hassan, acted within the confines of the law. The deportations and
arrests were not acts of political revenge or fear—they were measured responses
to breaches of immigration procedures and possible interference in judicial
processes.
Boniface Mwangi, for instance, is reported to have entered Tanzania using
false information—an offense in any jurisdiction. Others attempted to cross the
border without declaring the true purpose of their visit. These are not trivial
matters.
Democracy Is Not
Lawlessness
In every democracy, there are rules. Freedom of expression does not mean
freedom to violate another country’s laws. Solidarity does not justify
subversion. Tanzania has a legal process underway. Whether one supports or
opposes Tundu Lissu politically is irrelevant—the courts must be allowed to do
their work, without being turned into a stage for international activism.
President Samia has shown great restraint and wisdom in navigating these
events. She has made it clear that Tanzania remains committed to openness,
human rights, and constructive regional engagement. But she has also rightly
emphasized that no foreign actor will be allowed to undermine the peace and
order of our country.
Brotherhood, Not
Interference
Kenya and Tanzania are more than just neighbors—we are brothers and
sisters bound by history, trade, and people-to-people ties. That relationship
should not be strained by the personal actions of individuals who chose to
flout entry regulations or politicize legal matters. Both countries must
continue to foster mutual respect and build stronger bridges through lawful
engagement and collaboration.
Let us not allow a few headlines to distort what this really is: not a
diplomatic crisis, but a firm and justified assertion of sovereignty.
This Is Not Unprecedented – Global
Practices on Entry Control
For those who think Tanzania's action was extreme or isolated, let us
take a sober look at how other well-established democracies handle similar
situations.
🇺🇸 United States – 2023
- Roger Waters, co-founder of Pink Floyd, faced
scrutiny and near denial of entry into the U.S. due to his controversial
political statements, particularly on international issues.
- Activists linked to the Boycott,
Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement have regularly been denied
U.S. entry visas for being seen as disruptive or politically
provocative.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom – 2022/23
- Katie Hopkins, a British media personality
known for inflammatory views, was banned from Australia and
restricted in the UK for incitement concerns.
- Far-right American preacher Steven
Anderson has been banned from entering the UK for promoting
hate speech.
🇫🇷 France – 2023
- The French government denied
entry to a foreign imam whose teachings were viewed as promoting
religious extremism and potentially threatening public order.
- During the “Yellow Vests”
protests, foreign nationals suspected of planning to inflame the
unrest were refused entry or deported.
🇩🇪 Germany – 2023
- Individuals affiliated with extreme
foreign political groups were barred from entering Germany or
expelled, especially if they appeared to be interfering with ongoing court
cases or political processes.
Nations routinely block or remove foreigners whose actions are deemed
disruptive to peace, justice, or public order. Tanzania’s action was not
just legal—it was consistent with global norms.
Conclusion:
Leadership in the Face of Pressure
President Samia Suluhu Hassan deserves commendation—not condemnation—for
protecting Tanzania’s institutions and dignity. She acted as any responsible
leader should: by putting national interest above populism and legality above
pressure. Her actions reaffirm that in Tanzania, laws are not
suggestions—they are the backbone of our peace and stability.
From here in Nairobi, I continue to follow the conversation with interest
and pride, knowing that my country stands firm, sovereign, and principled.
And for that, Madam President, you have my full support.
Dr. Ally Yahaya Simba is an Executive Director, East African Communications Organization (EACO) based in Kigali, Rwanda and Member of CCM National Congress - Morogoro Urban