A Kenyan journalist named Juma Shoka has been arrested by Tanzanian authorities amid post-election unrest.
Shoka was reportedly apprehended by Tanzanian authorities at around 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025. As per reports, Shoka and other human rights activists were conducting a fact-finding mission in the border area.
The Nyota TV reporter was accompanied by Francis Auma, Rapid Response Officer at Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), Waleed Sketty from Vocal Africa, and Bradley Ouna of Concerned Citizen.
A witness reported that the group was evaluating the situation after unrest broke out in Tanzania amid the country’s ongoing general elections, when Tanzanian officers reportedly entered Kenyan territory and detained the journalist.
Kenyan Journalist Arrested by Tanzanian Authorities
Francis Auma who was among those who had accompanied the journalist, has urged the government of Kenya to intervene.
“We are worried for his safety and urge the government of Kenya to step in and help rescue the journalist,” said Auma.
Sketty, who is a human rights activist with Vocal Africa, stated that the journalist had done nothing wrong and demanded his immediate release.
“We strongly condemn Shoka’s arrest and insist on his release, as he has committed no offense,” he said.
Also Read: US and Israel Among Countries That Have Issued Warnings Over Tanzania Unrest
The activists accused Tanzanian security forces of breaching Kenyan sovereignty by carrying out the arrest on Kenyan soil. They described narrowly escaping when the officers reportedly charged toward them.
“We had to flee for our lives because of the way Tanzanian authorities operate. Given the ongoing unrest in their country, anything could have happened to us,” Auma stated.
The arrest of the Kenyan journalist comes amid unrest in Tanzania following the October 29, 2025, presidential and parliamentary elections, where incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party is projected to secure a landslide victory.
Tanzania Army Chief Issues Warning to Protesters
Protests erupted on election day in major cities such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha, driven by opposition claims of fraud, voter intimidation, and the disqualification or jailing of key challengers, including CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges. Demonstrators have barricaded roads, burned tires, torn down campaign posters, and clashed with security forces, prompting a government-imposed curfew beginning at 6:00 p.m., an internet blackout, and the deployment of the military.
Violence has been reported in several areas across the country.
Following the anti-Suluhu demonstrations, the Chief of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), General Jacob John Mkunda, has issued a stern warning to protesters breaking the law amid demonstrations related to elections led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Also Read: Tanzanians Ordered to Work from Home as Vote Tallying Continues
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday evening, October 30, 2025, General Mkunda said the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, has brought the situation under control and continues to strengthen security across the country.
He urged citizens to respect the rule of law, stressing that anyone engaging in criminal activities must cease immediately to avoid unnecessary harm to society and the nation.
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