Tanzania bars opposition leader Godbless Lema from entering Kenya

The diplomatic strain between Tanzania and Kenya appears to be escalating following a new incident in which Tanzanian opposition leader Godbless Lema was barred from leaving his country to seek medical attention in Nairobi.

Lema, a prominent figure in Tanzania’s CHADEMA party, was detained for more than four hours on Friday, June 6, at the Namanga border post before being turned back and having his passport confiscated by Tanzanian immigration officers.

He later revealed that he had been placed on a “stop list” and was ordered to return to Arusha, despite having no known legal case or travel restriction formally communicated to him.

“After waiting for more than four hours, I have officially been denied entry to Kenya. My passport has been taken away, and I am now expected to go back to Arusha,” Lema posted on X.

“I hope this persecution ends with us and should not be passed down to our children. Even the children of our oppressors should not have to live this way.”

Lema indicated that he was in severe pain and had planned to attend a medical appointment in Nairobi the following day.

“The pain I’m in is very intense. I was supposed to check on my health tomorrow in Nairobi, but now I can’t continue with the journey. I hope this suffering and anxiety end with our generation. Even the children of our persecutors shouldn’t live like this,” he said.

“I wanted to blame immigration, but I don’t think they’re at fault. This calling I’ve chosen is very hard on me and my family. We shall overcome.”

Lema also criticised the legality of the move, saying he was denied travel rights without due process or charges.

“I have been barred unlawfully and contrary to immigration regulations. I have no court case, and no complaint has been made against me by the police. I’ve not been informed of any immigration offence. It is clear this public notice was issued as protection for authorities persecuting those with alternative views. I’ve been denied my right to travel and access medical treatment in Nairobi for no valid reason. Stop tormenting people out of fear and suspicion,” he said.

In a statement, the Tanzanian Immigration Department confirmed that Lema had been blocked at the border and summoned to its headquarters in Dodoma for further questioning.

“The Immigration Department would like to inform the public that on June 6, 2025, at the Namanga border post in Arusha, Mr Godbless Jonathan Lema was prevented from leaving the country and his passport was withheld. The procedure followed is standard and applies to any citizen when the department receives information requiring the person to be interviewed,” the statement read in part.

Spokesperson Paul J. Mselle dismissed Lema’s claims of political targeting, saying the restriction was not aimed at CHADEMA leaders and calling on the public to ignore what he termed as “false” statements shared on social media.

The travel ban comes just days after Kenyan and Ugandan activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire, who had visited Tanzania, were reportedly arrested, tortured and deported by Tanzanian authorities, a move that has stirred concern in Nairobi and among rights organisations in both countries.

Observers say the latest events signal a worsening rift between the neighbouring East African nations, especially as Tanzania heads towards a high-stakes general election scheduled for October.

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