At least four people, including two Kenyans, were shot on Thursday afternoon at the Namanga border during violent protests believed to involve both Kenyan and Tanzanian citizens.
According to reports, the shooting was carried out by individuals suspected to be police officers. The chaos left two Tanzanians dead and the two Kenyans seriously injured.
Witnesses said the shooting took place when a large group of protesters tried to force their way through the border post, attempting to cross into Tanzania to join their counterparts who were demonstrating against what they described as unfair and rigged elections.
The crowd reportedly became uncontrollable as tensions escalated on both sides of the border.
The injured Kenyans, who sustained severe gunshot wounds to their abdomens, were quickly rushed to the Kajiado County Referral Hospital for emergency treatment.
Kajiado County Commander Alex Shikondi confirmed the incident, revealing that the two Tanzanian victims—aged 27 and 28—were fatally shot by police officers stationed at the border.
Commander Shikondi explained that the situation turned chaotic as officers from the Tanzanian side opened fire indiscriminately toward protesters who were on the Kenyan side.
“It appears the officers were firing in panic or confusion, and unfortunately, the bullets struck two Tanzanian nationals who were among the demonstrators,” he said.
Tension and Violence at Namanga Border
The unrest reportedly began on Thursday morning after a group of Tanzanian protesters managed to overpower border security personnel and crossed into Kenya. Once on the Kenyan side, they continued their demonstrations, claiming that the ongoing elections in Tanzania lacked transparency, credibility, and fairness.
Soon after, several Kenyans joined the Tanzanians in solidarity, turning what began as a peaceful protest into a violent confrontation.
The demonstrators started throwing stones at Tanzanian officers across the border, which prompted an aggressive reaction from the armed police. Shots were fired as authorities attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries and fatalities.
Videos circulating widely on social media showed groups of young people chanting, waving placards, and marching along the Namanga highway — the main route linking Kenya and Tanzania.
The protesters could also be seen lighting bonfires and blocking parts of the road, symbolizing their frustration over what they termed as injustice and lack of accountability.
Government Response
Following the incident, Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo, issued a stern warning to Kenyans against crossing into Tanzania to take part in the protests.
Speaking on Thursday, October 30, Omollo emphasized that any form of illegal participation in demonstrations beyond Kenyan borders would be considered a violation of the law.
“I don’t want to comment on Tanzania’s internal affairs, but I can speak about Kenya,” Omollo said. “As a country, we have clear laws and procedures that guide how demonstrations should be conducted.
Anyone who wishes to protest must do so in accordance with our legal framework. Crossing into another country to join protests is unlawful and will not be tolerated.”
The Namanga border, which serves as one of the busiest trade and travel routes between Kenya and Tanzania, remained tense throughout the day as security forces from both countries worked to calm the situation. Authorities on both sides have since tightened surveillance to prevent further escalation or illegal crossings.
The incident has raised concerns over regional stability and the need for better coordination between Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities in handling cross-border demonstrations.
Residents of Namanga have expressed fear and uncertainty, urging both governments to resolve the issue peacefully and ensure the safety of people living near the border.
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