The Youth For Kenya (YFK) organization has formally petitioned the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi, demanding answers over the controversial deportation of prominent Kenyan lawyer and political leader Martha Karua.
The group, led by Secretary-General Brian Midiwo, submitted an official protest letter today, condemning Tanzania’s decision to deport Karua, who had traveled to the country on official business. The incident has sparked outrage among Kenyan leaders and raised concerns over strained relations between the two East African nations.
An Attack on East African Unity
In the strongly worded letter, YFK described the deportation as a violation of the East African Community (EAC) protocols on free movement and an affront to Karua’s dignity. The group questioned why Karua—who recently traveled to Uganda without incident—was abruptly expelled from Tanzania.
“Here in East Africa, we are one. Is there an agenda between Kenya and Tanzania that we don’t know about?” Midiwo said during the presentation of the petition handover. “The other day, she was in Uganda representing her client without any issues. Why was Tanzania different?”
Demands for Transparency
YFK has called on Tanzanian authorities to:
1. Issue a formal apology,
2. Provide clear reasons for the deportation, and
3. Reaffirm commitment to EAC agreements on free movement. The group has given Tanzania until Friday, May 23, 2025 to respond.
Growing Diplomatic Tensions
The incident has fueled speculation about underlying tensions between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Analysts suggest that the deportation may be linked to recent political disagreements, though neither government has commented officially.
Karua, a respected advocate and former presidential candidate, has yet to make a public statement. However, her supporters have condemned the move, calling it politically motivated.
As East Africans await Tanzania’s response, the deportation has reignited debates over regional unity and the future of the EAC’s integration goals.
