Kenyan opposition figure and former Justice Minister Martha Karua has been detained in Tanzania ahead of the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Karua stated that she was detained at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and was awaiting deportation along with two colleagues, fellow Kenyan lawyer Gloria Kimani and human rights campaigner Lynn Ngugi.
“I am concerned that as a citizen of the East African Community, my access within a member country appears restricted,” Karua expressed, suggesting that their detention might be linked to their interest in Lissu’s case. The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition condemned the “arbitrary arrest” of the three and instructed lawyers to secure their release. The coalition was shocked by the detentions, given that Karua was allowed into Tanzania to observe proceedings when Lissu appeared in court on April 15.
Background on Tundu Lissu’s Trial
Lissu, the leader of the main opposition Chadema party, is due to appear in court after being charged with treason, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of death. He survived an assassination attempt in 2017 after being shot 16 times. Lissu was arrested in April after holding a rally under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election,” demanding sweeping changes to Tanzania’s laws to allow for free and fair elections.
Concerns Over Tanzania’s Human Rights Record
Human rights groups have expressed concerns about a crackdown on opposition in Tanzania ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October. Chadema has been barred from contesting the October poll after refusing to comply with the electoral commission’s requirement to sign a code of conduct. The party views this as a ploy to contain the opposition and perpetuate state repression.
Karua’s Profile and Human Rights Advocacy
Karua is a respected human rights advocate and vocal critic of “democratic backsliding” in East Africa. She served as Kenya’s Justice Minister from 2005 to 2009 and was the running mate of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential elections. Karua also represents Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye, who faces treason charges.