Tanzanian authorities on January 6 detained five Kenyan nationals, including two police officers, following an unauthorised cross-border operation near the Horohoro border crossing.
The arrested group includes Police Constable Patrick Kithinji and Police Constable Ahmed Ali of Tononoka Police Station, who were reportedly leading a mission to arrest Coast Development Authority Chairperson Mzee Mwinyi Mzee for allegedly obtaining money by false pretences.
Also in custody are Mwinyi’s wife, Sophia Menza Mbogo, and their driver, Abdikadir Adan.
Why Tanzania Detained the Kenyan Police
At the time of their arrest, each police officer was carrying a firearm and ammunition. PC Kithinji was found in possession of a Ceska pistol, serial number F 4663, loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, while PC Ahmed Ali was carrying a Ceska pistol, serial number F 2528, also loaded with 15 rounds.
Their firearms and the ammunition were confiscated, according to reports.
Tanzanian authorities said the group breached Tanzanian law and East African Community regulations on cross-border arrests.
The officials termed the operation a breach of Tanzanian law, noting that the individuals were apprehended for entering the country without permission and for attempting to arrest a foreign national on foreign soil.
Individuals detained by the authorities are set to have their case file presented in a Dar es Salaam court on January 7, 2026.
Tanzanian Authorities
In a letter addressed to the Immigration Officer in Charge at Lungalunga, Kenyan border officials were informed that the Kenyans had entered Tanzania unlawfully.
“Five Kenyan nationals entered the United Republic of Tanzania in violation of national immigration laws and the provisions of the East African Community One Stop Border Post Act, 2016,” read part of the letter.
The letter also stated that the police officers lacked authority to carry firearms into Tanzania and that there had been no prior coordination with Tanzanian authorities regarding the alleged arrest operation.
Also Read: US Announces Review of Its Relationship With Tanzania
All the Kenyans involved were detained at Horohoro pending further action. They have since been handed over to authorities at Lunga Lunga, with the Mombasa County Commander expected to handle the case.
Tanzanian authorities confirmed that the vehicle and the two Ceska pistols, together with the ammunition, remain in custody.
East African Community One-Stop Border Post Act 2016
The Act is a regional legislation that governs the establishment and operation of one-stop border posts (OSBPs) to streamline border processes, improve trade and movement of people, and coordinate border controls among EAC Partner States.
Also Read: Five Kenyans Arrested Outside the Embassy Of Tanzania
It requires partner states to establish and designate control zones where exit and entry formalities for adjacent countries are conducted jointly or in coordination to simplify procedures at common borders.
The Act sets out definitions, objectives, and institutional arrangements for OSBPs, including obligations for Partner States to adopt electronic control systems and harmonise procedures for border processing, pre-clearance, document handling, and enforcement activities within these zones.
The legislation also clarifies that, once in force, the Act “shall take precedence over the Partner States’ laws with respect to any matter to which its provisions relate,” ensuring uniform application across the region.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
