Ex-CJ Mutunga, Hussein Khalid and Hanifa detained in Tanzania ahead of Lissu trial

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, human rights advocate Hussein Khalid, and activist Hanifa Adan have been detained and denied entry into Tanzania at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

The three were held without explanation shortly after arriving in the country in solidarity with Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu ahead of his court appearance.

"We’ve been detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport, and we’re not being told why. This is utterly ridiculous and petty. It’s 3 am and it’s cold here, damn," Hanifa posted on X.

"I’m here with Willy Mutunga and Hussein Khalid. We all travelled in solidarity with Tundu Lissu, who has a mention in court today. I’m in Tanzania and they’re deporting us."

Hussein Khalid also posted on X, saying: "We, Willy Mutunga, Hanifa Adan and I, have been detained at Julius Nyerere Airport, Dar es Salaam, as we came in for the observance of Tundu Lissu’s case. The trip was in solidarity with Tanzanian lawyers and human rights defenders. They have not given reasons for the detention."

The detentions come hours after People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua was also denied entry and deported.

Karua had travelled with Law Society of Kenya Council member Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi of the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network.

The three were held at the same airport before being deported back to Kenya.

The Law Society of Kenya has strongly condemned the actions by Tanzanian authorities.

In a statement on Sunday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo called the detentions "inexcusable, illegal and arbitrary."

"The Law Society of Kenya is exasperated by the inexcusable, illegal and arbitrary denial of entry into Tanzania of two of our members, Martha Karua, SC and Gloria Kimani, Council Member of the Law Society of Kenya, alongside Lynn Ngugi who were detained at the Julius Nyerere International Airport on 18 May 2025," she said.

"The authorities at the airport have not only failed to provide reasons for this abhorrent act of impunity, but have equally threatened the three with deportation at their own cost. We condemn this incongruous contempt for the rule of law, human rights, and the fundamental principles that hold the East African Community together."

Odhiambo cited the East African Community Treaty and its Protocol on the Establishment of the Common Market, which guarantees free movement of citizens across member states.

She warned that the detentions raise serious concerns about the rule of law in Tanzania and ongoing violations linked to the crackdown on Lissu.

"This continued persecution of Mr Lissu, coupled with compounded human rights violations and breach of state obligations with the intention of denying him legal representation and access to justice, paints a concerning picture for the state of constitutionalism, rule of law and democracy in Tanzania," she said.

She called on Tanzania’s Attorney-General to intervene, warning that targeting Kenyan advocates who are members of the East Africa Law Society is both illegal and discriminatory.

"It is in the interests of our shared mutual relationship, not only as nations but more so as professionals, that the treatment of people reflects common values and respect," Odhiambo added.