Kenyans Beg to Join Tanzanian Protests at Namanga Border
Tension is rising at the Namanga border after hundreds of Kenyans expressed a strong desire to cross into Tanzania and join the ongoing protests following the disputed Tanzanian general election held on October 29, 2025.
The unrest, which began as a political demonstration in Tanzania, has quickly spread toward the border, drawing in Kenyan residents who say they sympathize with their Tanzanian neighbors.
Reports from the ground indicate that a number of Kenyans have pleaded with security officers to allow them to cross into Tanzania in solidarity with protesters who accuse the government there of rigging the election.
Some youths at the border claimed they were “standing for justice” and demanded freedom for Tanzanians, insisting that “East Africans are one people” and should support each other in times of political crisis.
However, security forces from both countries have blocked all unauthorized crossings, citing security and legal concerns.
Kenyan police officers, under the direction of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, have been deployed to maintain order at the Namanga crossing.
Omollo warned that any Kenyan attempting to cross the border to take part in foreign protests would face arrest, emphasizing that such actions violate Kenyan laws governing international relations and public order.
Despite these warnings, tensions remain high. On Thursday, clashes erupted at the border when groups of Kenyan and Tanzanian demonstrators defied police orders.
Tear gas was fired to disperse the crowds, and reports confirmed that two Kenyans were injured during the confrontation.
Businesses on both sides of the border have since closed down as fear and uncertainty grip the normally busy trading town.
The protests in Tanzania erupted after opposition groups accused the government of manipulating election results.
Demonstrators have been calling for fresh elections and international intervention. The unrest has triggered a heavy security response, with Tanzanian forces reportedly using live ammunition and tear gas to control crowds in several towns, including Arusha and Longido, close to the Kenyan border.
The situation has also disrupted trade between the two countries. Long queues of trucks have formed at the Namanga border, with many transporters unable to deliver goods to either side.
Some traders said the political chaos has cost them millions of shillings in lost business. Internet disruptions in Tanzania have further complicated communication and transactions, affecting cross-border businesses and travelers.
Kenyan leaders have urged citizens to remain calm and avoid getting involved in Tanzania’s internal political matters. The government insists that while Kenya supports democratic governance across the region, it cannot condone illegal participation in another country’s unrest.
Still, many Kenyans, especially the youth living in border towns, have voiced frustration, saying they understand the pain of their Tanzanian counterparts. Some argue that the protests reflect a broader discontent shared by East Africans over issues of unemployment, corruption, and poor governance.
As of now, the Namanga border remains under tight surveillance, with joint patrols by Kenyan and Tanzanian security forces. Authorities have assured the public that they are working to ensure peace and restore normal cross-border movement as soon as possible.
The unfolding events highlight the deep social and political ties between the two nations — and how instability in one country can quickly spill across borders.
While Kenyans’ show of solidarity underscores regional unity, it also raises concerns about the legal and safety risks of crossing into another country during a volatile political crisis.
Kenyans are begging to be allowed to cross border and join Tanzanians in the protests 🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/ak4IAktMws
— PropesaTV (@PropesaTV) October 30, 2025
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