ACT Wazelendo Party Statement on Deportation of Martha Karua From Tanzania

The ACT Wazalendo party is saddened by the actions of the Tanzanian government authorities in detaining, denying entry, and ultimately ordering the return of the People's Liberation Party (PLP) Kenya leader, Martha Karua, which occurred earlier today upon her arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

Martha, a lawyer with the Law Society of Kenya and East Africa, arrived in the country with her colleagues Gloria Kimani and Lyn Ngugi as international observers to monitor the treason case against the Chairman of the Democracy and Development Party (CHADEMA), Tundu Antipas Lissu.

The government's action of denying entry to this leader and her colleagues is unacceptable to democracy and human rights advocates worldwide. It is an unbecoming act that should not be overlooked or allowed to become a norm in our nation. Tanzanian laws, as well as international laws to which Tanzania is a signatory, establish principles of transparency, freedom, and justice in judicial proceedings, especially in cases and matters of significant public interest. This incident tarnishes our country's image and paints a grim picture, as Tanzania now appears to be among nations exhibiting signs of authoritarianism and suppression of civil and human rights.

ACT Wazalendo, as a political party built on and committed to defending the principles of Democracy, Freedom, Transparency, and Human Rights, condemns this action. We demand that the Tanzanian authorities provide an explanation for this matter, apologize to Martha Karua, and ensure that such actions are not repeated in our country.

We are a democratic nation. Any efforts to plunge Tanzania into the darkness of dictatorship must be fought and opposed by all who wish our nation well.

Ny Shangwe Ayo
Deputy Secretary, Department of Information, Publicity, and Public Relations
ACT Wazalendo
May 18, 2025.