Ex‑CJ Mutunga, Hussein Khalid and Hanifa detained at Tanzanian airport ahead of Lissu trial
The three had travelled to Tanzania in solidarity with opposition CHADEMA party leader Tundu Lissu, ahead of his trial.
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, human rights defender and Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, and activist Hanifa Adan have been detained and denied entry into Tanzania under unclear circumstances.
The three had travelled to Tanzania in solidarity with opposition CHADEMA party leader Tundu Lissu, ahead of his trial. However, they were stopped and held at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam without explanation, with Tanzanian authorities allegedly preparing to deport them.
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“We’ve been detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport, and we’re not being told why. This is utterly ridiculous and petty. It’s 3 am and it’s cold here, damn,” Hanifa posted on X.
“I’m here with Willy Mutunga and Hussein Khalid. We all travelled in solidarity with Tundu Lissu, who has a mention in court today. I’m in Tanzania and they’re deporting us.”
Hussein Khalid also wrote on his X account, confirming that they had travelled to stand in solidarity with Tanzanian lawyers and human rights advocates.
“We, Willy Mutunga, Hanifa Adan and I, have been detained at Julius Nyerere Airport, Dar es Salaam, as we came in for the observance of Tundu Lissu’s case,” he said.
“The trip was in solidarity with Tanzanian lawyers and human rights defenders. They have not given reasons for the detention.”
This comes a few hours after People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua on Sunday said she was denied entry to Tanzania and deported to Kenya.
Karua deported
Karua, alongside Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Council member Gloria Kimani and member of the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network Lynn Ngugi, were detained at the Julius Nyerere International Airport and later deported back to Kenya.
LSK condemned the Tanzanian authorities over the arbitrary detention and threatened deportation of its members, calling the act “inexcusable, illegal and arbitrary”.
In a statement on Sunday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo expressed outrage at the treatment of the two advocates and described it as a violation of human rights and a breach of East African Community (EAC) treaties.
“The Law Society of Kenya is exasperated by the inexcusable, illegal and arbitrary denial of entry into Tanzania of two of our members, Ms Martha Karua, SC and Ms Gloria Kimani, Council Member of the Law Society of Kenya, alongside Ms Lynn Ngugi who were detained at the Julius Nyerere International Airport on 18 May 2025,” Odhiambo said.
“The authorities at the airport have not only failed to provide reasons for this abhorrent act of impunity, but have equally threatened the three with deportation at their own cost. We condemn this incongruous contempt for the rule of law, human rights, and the fundamental principles that hold the East African Community together.”
Odhiambo cited Articles 104 and 7 of the EAC Treaty and Protocol on the Establishment of the EAC Common Market, which provide for the free movement of citizens across member states.
She further linked the denial of entry to the broader crackdown on Tundu Lissu, whom she described as a victim of state persecution and systemic injustice.
“This continued persecution of Mr Lissu, coupled with compounded human rights violations and breach of state obligations with the intention of denying him legal representation and access to justice, paints a concerning picture for the state of constitutionalism, rule of law and democracy in Tanzania,” Odhiambo said.
She warned that interfering with the rights of Kenyan advocates, who are also members of the East Africa Law Society, is both illegal and discriminatory, and urged Tanzania’s Attorney-General to intervene and reverse the detentions.
“It is in the interests of our shared mutual relationship, not only as nations but more so as professionals, that the treatment of people reflects common values and respect,” she said.
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