The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has reported that five human rights defenders were arrested in Nairobi while petitioning the Embassy of Tanzania in Kenya.
In a statement on December 9, KHRC stated that the five were arrested while demanding accountability for alleged mass killings overseen by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu since October 29.
“Police have arrested five human rights defenders who were petitioning the Embassy of Tanzania in Kenya, demanding accountability for the mass killings overseen by Samia Suluhu since 29 October,” read part of the statement.
Those arrested include Frederick Ojiro, Julius Kamau, Vincent Mboya, Lichuma, and Shem.
KHRC and other rights groups are calling for their immediate and unconditional release, urging the President William Ruto government to stop shielding Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu from accountability.
KHRC Reports Arrest of Five Human Rights Defenders in Nairobi Over Tanzania Protest
The arrests come as Tanzanians had prepared for nationwide protests on their Independence Day, calling for President Samia Suluhu’s removal.
By 5 a.m., there were no reports indicating that the protests had begun. While no large gatherings were observed early in the day, many businesses stayed closed as a precaution against potential unrest.
Also Read: Tanzania Locks Down Streets Ahead of Independence Day Protests
Tanzania Remains Calm
According to BBC reporters, they noted that petrol stations, shops, and both private and public offices were shuttered, a precaution linked to the anniversary of the October 29 protests that caused widespread property damage.
Cities that experienced significant unrest in October, including Arusha, Mbeya, and Moshi, reported calm conditions this morning.
Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo shared a video of a Tanzanian man walking through the unusually empty streets of Dar es Salaam after the government outlawed Independence Day demonstrations and directed citizens to remain indoors.
“It is around 9:00 AM, and there are no people in the streets. On the day that we were supposed to celebrate our independence, we’re locked inside like rats,” the man said.
Also Read: Tanzania Placed Under Probation as Commonwealth Sets New Conditions for Suluhu
In the Iringa region, petrol stations had reopened, but many shops, markets, and public transport services remained closed.
Security forces, including the Police and the Tanzanian People’s Defense Force, were deployed in large numbers across streets.
Tanzanian authorities reiterated that the demonstrations were illegal, as they did not comply with required legal procedures.
The government stressed that it continues to take all necessary measures to maintain peace and stability in the country, ensuring normalcy prevails despite the planned protests.
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