Kenyan presidential candidate Martha Karua was deported from Tanzania, preventing her from observing opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason trial.
Karua believes her expulsion signals an unfair trial for Lissu, whose party was barred from upcoming elections.
She claims Tanzania’s ruling party is suppressing opposition to secure an unopposed victory.
Karua’s party condemned her deportation, citing violations of East African Community principles.
Karua asserts a pattern of democratic backsliding across East Africa, including Kenya and Uganda.
She alleges opposition neutering ahead of elections, citing arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.
Karua, a potential 2027 Kenyan presidential candidate, criticizes President Ruto’s administration.
She also represents Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, facing treason charges.
Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba threatened voters against opposing the ruling party.
Rights groups highlight human rights abuses in Kenya and Uganda.
