Tyres burn along a deserted road during violent protests that marred the election following the disqualification of the two leading opposition candidates in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, October 29, 2025 [Courtesy]
By Njoroge David
Foreign journalists deployed to cover Tanzania’s elections were on Thursday ordered to leave the country as violent unrest spread to the Kenya-Tanzania border town of Namanga.
Tensions rose sharply after protests erupted in major Tanzanian cities following Wednesday’s elections, with crowds clashing with security forces over alleged irregularities.
Videos seen by magictouchmedia.co.ke/ showed groups of Kenyan youth on motorbikes heading toward the border amid a heavy police presence.
It remained unclear whether the youths intended to join Tanzanian protesters, though early reports indicated frustration over restrictions at the border crossing. In one video, a protester shouted, “Leave us alone, focus on Tanzania.”
Thursday marked the second consecutive day of unrest at Namanga, where authorities maintained a heavy deployment of officers since Wednesday’s vote.
Journalists who attempted to cross into Tanzania to cover the polls said they were blocked by border police and faced limited or no internet access, even while still on Kenyan soil.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo warned Kenyans against joining protests across the border, stressing that demonstrations must comply with national laws.
“I don’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania. I can speak about Kenya. My point is, as a country, we have laws and regulations and guides on demonstrations. Anyone who wants to participate in any form of protests, let’s do what the law requires us to do,” said Omollo in Mombasa on Thursday.
“I want to appeal to anyone not to take the law into their hands and do what is required. If there is any point of inconvenience, the officers at the border will be in a position to advise so that we don’t endanger anyone,” he added.
Businesses around Namanga have since closed as fear grips traders and travellers. Tanzanian protesters vowed to continue demonstrations until the elections are annulled.
President Samia Suluhu appeared headed for a landslide victory after opposition leader Tundu Lissu was detained and his party boycotted the polls, citing unfair conditions.
On Wednesday, Tanzanian police imposed a 6 p.m. curfew in several towns to curb unrest.
