Interior PS Omollo cautions Kenyans against joining Tanzania protests
The PS noted that Tanzania, as a friendly neighbour, has its own mechanisms to handle internal matters, adding that Kenya wishes the country well as it addresses its domestic issues.
Kenyans have been warned against participating in protests taking place in neighbouring Tanzania.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, issued the caution on Thursday in Mombasa during the 64th meeting of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC).
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Dr Omollo urged citizens to adhere strictly to the law when exercising their right to demonstrate, stressing that no one should take the law into their own hands.
“As a country, we have laws and regulations that govern protests and demonstrations. My appeal is that anyone who wishes to engage in any form of protest should do so within the confines of the law,” said Dr Omollo.
He further noted that Tanzania, as a friendly neighbour, has its own mechanisms to handle internal matters, adding that Kenya wishes the country well as it addresses its domestic issues.
The PS also advised that in the event of any disruption to the movement of cargo or people across border points, security and customs officers would provide guidance to ensure the safety of lives and businesses.
“Anything that is outside the law on the Kenyan side will definitely do what the law allows us to do, and I appeal to anyone not to take the law into their hands and do what is expected, and our officers are competent enough to deal with any situations. If there will be any inconveniences in terms of movement of cargo and people, I believe the officers at our points of exit and entry must be able to advise those who are moving in a manner that we don't endanger any lives or businesses,” he said.
Earlier today, protests broke out at the Namanga border after some Kenyans were denied entry into Tanzania to join ongoing demonstrations that have rocked the country following Wednesday's chaotic election.
During the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), the committee conducted field visits to several border facilities in the Coast region, including the Joint Operations Centre at the Port of Mombasa.
Dr Omollo highlighted a surge in trade volumes handled at the port, crediting efficiency improvements by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
From January to September 2025, the Port of Mombasa handled 32.86 million metric tonnes of total cargo throughput compared to 29.97 million metric tonnes during the same period in 2024, an increase of 9.6 per cent. Container traffic rose by 6.2 per cent, from 1.46 million TEUs to 1.55 million TEUs.
Dr Omollo commended the BCOCC for fostering coordination among government agencies with border management responsibilities, saying the multi-agency approach had strengthened national security and trade facilitation.
“We have seen tangible results from this collaborative approach, such as the recent interception of a vessel involved in illegal activities at sea,” he said.
He disclosed that several Points of Entry (PoEs) along the borders with Somalia and Ethiopia still require upgrading to meet operational standards. The government, he added, is fast-tracking the completion of the Suam One-Stop Border Point on the Kenya-Uganda border to enhance monitoring of cross-border movements.
“Our borders remain porous and susceptible to illicit trade and unauthorised movement. We are determined to complete these facilities to better track people and goods entering and leaving the country,” Dr Omollo noted.
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