PS Omollo Warns Kenyans Against Participating in Tanzania Protests, Threatens Full Force of the Law

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a stern warning to Kenyans planning to participate in demonstrations related to the ongoing political tensions in Tanzania, saying they will face the full force of the law.

Speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, Dr Omollo urged Kenyans to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to handle any emerging issues within the confines of the law as protests erupted across the border following Tanzania’s general election.

“I wouldn’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania, but I can speak about Kenya on matters of security. As a country, we have laws and rules that guide demonstrations or protests. Let’s do what the law allows us to do,” the PS said during a visit to the Joint Operations Centre at the Port of Mombasa.

The warning comes amid rising tensions along the Kenya-Tanzania border following violent protests in Tanzania during Wednesday’s general election.

Videos circulating on social media showed injured protesters being carried away as security forces moved in to quell the demonstrations.

The Tanzanian government has since imposed an indefinite curfew from 6pm to 6am to restore order.

Dr Omollo emphasised that while Kenya respects Tanzania’s sovereignty and maintains friendly relations with its southern neighbour, any acts that undermine public order or threaten cross-border peace will not be tolerated on Kenyan soil.

“For our friends in Tanzania, we believe they have laws governing their country. They are our friendly neighbours and we wish them well. Anything outside the law, on the Kenyan side, we will deal with it firmly,” he said, appealing to Kenyans not to take matters into their own hands.

The PS specifically cautioned residents along the border against participating in or supporting demonstrations inspired by Tanzanian political developments, noting that security agencies are on high alert to maintain peace and facilitate trade and business between the two countries.

His remarks follow viral videos showing Kenyans expressing solidarity with Tanzanian protesters who are opposed to what they describe as an oppressive administration under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The Tanzanian opposition has raised concerns about the conduct of the elections, with reports of internet disruptions and violence marring the voting process.

Dr Omollo assured that officers manning Kenya’s border points are competent and adequately equipped to advise on emerging security and trade issues.

“Our police are competent enough to deal with any situation in Kenya,” he said, urging traders and travellers to cooperate with authorities at border posts.

The political unrest in Tanzania has already had economic repercussions for Kenya.

Internet outages in Tanzania affected customs systems, leading to a build-up of traffic at border posts and disrupting the flow of goods along the Northern Corridor.

However, Dr Omollo reported a significant increase in cargo volumes handled at the Port of Mombasa, attributing it to government interventions aimed at improving efficiency.

“We have seen a marked improvement in the movement of goods, and various agencies are working to fast-track operations,” he said.

The PS cited the recent seizure of an Iranian vessel at sea carrying 1,024 kilogrammes of methamphetamine valued at Sh8.2 billion as evidence of enhanced multi-agency coordination at border points.

“Legal processes are ongoing, and we will do what must be done according to the law,” he said, though he declined to comment further on the matter, citing ongoing court proceedings.

Dr Omollo called for the upgrade and completion of key points of entry along Kenya’s borders with Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda, including Busia, Malaba and Suam, to enhance trade facilitation and security.

“Our borders are still porous and are becoming attractive points for illicit trade,” he said, noting that the government is fast-tracking the completion of stalled projects.

The PS added that the Ministry of Health has placed teams on high alert to manage health-related threats, including Mpox, and to respond swiftly to potential outbreaks at the borders.

“All agencies are on the lookout, and the coordination at the borders continues to improve,” he said.

Tanzania’s electoral commission has begun streaming results amid the chaos, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who ran on the ruling CCM party ticket, taking an early but expected lead.

The African Union, the East African Community and the South Africa Development Community have sent observers to monitor the election.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​