Kenyan Journalist Arrested by Tanzanian Officers at Lunga Lunga Border

 

By Brian 

A Kenyan journalist has reportedly been arrested by Tanzanian security officers at the Lunga Lunga border while covering protests taking place in Tanzania, sparking outrage and questions over a possible violation of Kenya’s sovereignty.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 31, VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid condemned the arrest, accusing Tanzanian police of unlawfully operating within Kenyan territory.

“What are Tanzanian police officers, the so-called Usalama wa Taifa, doing on the Kenyan side of the border arresting Kenyan journalists?” Khalid posed.

“Journalist Shoka Juma of Nyota TV has been arrested at the Kenyan side of the Lunga Lunga border and is currently being held by Tanzanian security officers,” he added.

According to VOCAL Africa, Juma was covering the ongoing demonstrations in Tanzania when he was apprehended. The organization has called for his immediate release and urged both the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments to respect press freedom and territorial boundaries.

The incident has raised diplomatic concerns over cross-border law enforcement and the safety of journalists reporting near sensitive border regions.

Meanwhile, CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has shed light on the challenges journalists face when reporting in Tanzania. Speaking on Thursday, October 30, Madowo explained why he is not covering the Tanzanian general election or the widespread protests.

He cited the country’s restrictive accreditation process for foreign journalists, saying it often prevents independent coverage.

“Why am I not covering the election in Tanzania and the aftermath, and I am all the way up here in Las Vegas? The simple reason is that Tanzania does not like independent critical reporting,” Madowo said.

 “To operate in the country as a foreigner, I need media accreditation — essentially permission from the government — and historically, Tanzania does not issue these permits. It used to be a problem even under President Magufuli. It has not gotten better under President Samia Suluhu,” he noted.

Media freedom groups have long accused Tanzanian authorities of tightening control over the press and intimidating journalists, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.