Gov't spokesperson says Karua's deportation was a 'sovereign decision' by Tanzania

In a statement on Monday, Mwaura said the denial of entry into Tanzania had no relation with Karua’s role as a member of opposition in Kenya. 

“If a certain government feels like they have information about a particular individual, whether in government or in opposition, it has the right to admit. It is not a question of which side of the political divide one belongs to,” said Mwaura.

“And that we can’t question because it was a decision by the Tanzanian government,” he explained.

The spokesperson pointed out that other opposition leaders have travelled freely, proving there’s no government interference with political movement.

“When Raila Odinga was the opposition leader, he used to travel a lot to Tanzania,” he said.

He also assured that diplomatic relations with Tanzania remain strong. He explained that Martha Karua’s deportation was only a sovereign decision by Tanzania, not politically motivated.

“There is no diplomatic spat between Kenya and Tanzania. Any country has a right to admit anyone within its territories,” he said.

Mwaura also clarified that recent arrests, including that of MP Peter Salasya, are based on individual conduct, not political affiliation. He dismissed claims of political persecution as propaganda.

“There are voices that don’t agree with the broad-based government,” Mwaura stated.

The spokesperson addressed reports of security presence at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s residence, stating the government will enforce the law regardless of a person's political status or following.

“No one is above the law. The government will not sit back to see Kenyans being incited to violence. The role of the government is to maintain law and order and it doesn’t matter who is doing the wrong thing,” he remarked.

Answering questions on security and ending issues on political and youth arrests and abductions, Mwaura said that anyone inciting Kenyans will be arrested.

“There are lawful arrests, and they must continue. Anyone inciting Kenyans will be arrested because we must maintain law and order,” he remarked.