Scenes captured from the area showed angry youths on motorbikes heading toward the border amid a heavy police presence.
The unrest followed violent demonstrations that have rocked Tanzania’s major cities since Wednesday, October 29, after disputed election results sparked outrage among opposition supporters.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the situation escalated when Kenyan youth attempted to cross into Tanzania, allegedly to show solidarity with their counterparts protesting against what they termed a “stolen election.”
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the situation escalated when Kenyan youth attempted to cross into Tanzania, allegedly to show solidarity with their counterparts protesting against what they termed a “stolen election.”
However, police officers blocked entry and exit, prompting the youths to light bonfires and barricade the road.
In one viral clip, a protester could be heard shouting, “Leave us alone, focus on Tanzania!” as smoke filled the air near the Namanga customs area.
Businesses in the town were forced to shut down as tension grew, with shop owners and bus operators fleeing the area for fear of clashes.
According to reports, journalists attempting to cross into Tanzania to cover the unfolding unrest were also blocked by authorities.
In one viral clip, a protester could be heard shouting, “Leave us alone, focus on Tanzania!” as smoke filled the air near the Namanga customs area.
Businesses in the town were forced to shut down as tension grew, with shop owners and bus operators fleeing the area for fear of clashes.
According to reports, journalists attempting to cross into Tanzania to cover the unfolding unrest were also blocked by authorities.
Some complained of limited internet access on the Kenyan side, a situation many linked to regional efforts to control information flow from Tanzania’s election crisis.
Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo, has since warned locals against joining foreign demonstrations, saying it is illegal under Kenyan law.
“I don’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania, but in Kenya, we have laws and guidelines for protests.
Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo, has since warned locals against joining foreign demonstrations, saying it is illegal under Kenyan law.
“I don’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania, but in Kenya, we have laws and guidelines for protests.
Anyone taking part in unauthorized demonstrations risks facing the law,” Omollo said while addressing journalists in Mombasa.
He urged residents near the border to remain calm and allow law enforcement officers to maintain order.
Meanwhile, the Tanzanian opposition continues to reject the ongoing vote tally, claiming the elections were neither free nor fair.
He urged residents near the border to remain calm and allow law enforcement officers to maintain order.
Meanwhile, the Tanzanian opposition continues to reject the ongoing vote tally, claiming the elections were neither free nor fair.
President Samia Suluhu is projected to secure a landslide victory after her main rival, Tundu Lissu, was detained earlier in the week.
Tanzania’s police have since imposed a 6 p.m. curfew in several towns to curb protests, but demonstrations have persisted.
Tanzania’s police have since imposed a 6 p.m. curfew in several towns to curb protests, but demonstrations have persisted.
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