Tension following Tanzania’s recent presidential election has crossed the border into Kenya, as unrest in the town of Namanga disrupts daily life and trade between the two countries.
Protesters fleeing clashes with Tanzanian police sought refuge on the Kenyan side of the border, prompting officers to fire tear gas canisters across the boundary. The situation has forced businesses to shut down, while trucks carrying goods remain stranded at the frontier.
Local traders say the chaos has severely affected their livelihoods. “We can’t operate our businesses because of the situation in Tanzania,” said Kenyan trader Taliban Onyango. “Tear gas is being thrown at us, and we can’t feed our families. We just want peace at the border so life can return to normal.”
Complicating matters further, Tanzania’s internet blackout — imposed since election day — has also affected parts of Kenya’s border region. Amnesty International has urged Tanzanian authorities to restore access, warning that blocking communication could worsen the crisis.
Reports from Kenyan media indicate that journalists have been prevented from crossing into Tanzania to cover the unrest, raising further concerns about press freedom and transparency.
As the post-election situation unfolds, residents of Namanga remain caught between two nations struggling to maintain calm amid political turmoil.