Kenyan activists to stage protests in solidarity with Tanzania

A section of Kenyan activists have joined a widening international chorus expressing concern over the political and human rights situation in Tanzania.

In a statement, the activists have called for global attention and suggested that President Samia Suluhu Hassan step down.

Vocal Africa activist Ojiro Odhiambo, Free Kenya Movement leader Bob Njagi and former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana appended their names to the statement, which cites reports of alleged state abuses and warns of a potential humanitarian crisis as Tanzanians prepare nationwide protests on December 9.

In the declaration, the Kenyan signatories and their counterparts describe what they view as a significant restriction of democratic rights.

They have called for action and urged measures ahead of the protests expected in Tanzania.

The group has also notified Kenyan police of their plan to hold a demonstration in Nairobi in solidarity with Tanzanians during their independence day.

“The world is paying attention to events unfolding in Tanzania. Across Africa and beyond, observers, human rights institutions and civic movements are highlighting concerns raised by Tanzanians themselves regarding the conduct of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her administration,” the statement read.

Their intervention aligns Kenya’s civil society figures with observations made by the African Union Election Observation Mission, SADC, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the European Parliament, Ghana, UN special procedures and the United States, all of which have highlighted issues in Tanzania’s elections and expressed concern over responses to dissent.

The statement cites reports from religious leaders, health workers, communities and rights defenders describing incidents of lethal force, disappearances, intimidation and mass arrests.

It further mentions claims that hospitals have been raided and that foreign personnel may be involved in ongoing operations, noting that these reports could not be independently verified.

Tanzanian authorities have previously rejected reports of mistreatment and maintained that recent protests violate the law.

The Kenyan activists also questioned the credibility of Tanzania’s newly established inquiry into the unrest.

“The establishment of a government-led commission into ongoing violence is not an act of independent accountability; there are concerns about impartiality. The administration has already referred to peaceful mobilisation as ‘manufactured unrest,’” they stated.

More than 2,000 people reportedly face charges including terrorism, treason and property damage.

According to the statement, lawyers representing detainees say they have faced threats or detention, raising concerns about due process.

The statement also highlights internet shutdowns, social media restrictions and removal of online posts, saying digital platforms have been pressured to erase material documenting the unrest.

The signatories stress that regional solidarity is important as Tanzanians prepare for December 9, calling for a halt to violence, the release of all detainees and an independent international review.

“This use of legal and digital tools is seen as a method to limit resistance — but it has strengthened Tanzanians’ calls for justice. Tanzanians are encouraged to continue documenting, speaking and organising across regions, religions, generations and borders.”