Standard Newspaper Review
Tanzania’s post-election atmosphere has taken a dark and disturbing turn. Under direct orders from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, security forces have embarked on a sweeping crackdown against foreigners, particularly Kenyans, accused—without evidence—of inciting post-election unrest.
According to reports, heavily armed police and soldiers have been raiding lodgings and guest houses across Arusha, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam since late Monday night. The operation, sanctioned from police headquarters, has left hundreds of East Africans living in fear and uncertainty.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes of brutality. “Soldiers stopped us, searched our vehicles, and again asked about our stay in Tanzania. Most of us still had valid 30-day permits, but they claimed foreigners should only stay for a week. They made us sleep on the tarmac, cocked their guns, and pointed them at some of us. It was terrifying,” said one Kenyan trader.
Suluhu’s chilling words have only deepened the tension. “Sikushtuko kuona kuna watu waliotoka nchi jirani na kuanza vita humu nchini mwetu. Nitowatafuta kila mmoja wenu na mtojua mimi ndiye amiri jeshi kuu — no simbo jike!” (“I am not surprised that foreigners came to cause chaos in our country. I will find each one of you and show you I am the Commander-in-Chief — not a weak woman!”) she declared.
The crackdown has sent shockwaves through the hospitality and tourism sectors, with business owners decrying arbitrary arrests and border restrictions. Many Kenyans have begun fleeing the country, fearing further detentions and harassment. Pages 6 and 7 of The Standard provide detailed eyewitness accounts and reactions from regional leaders calling for calm and diplomatic intervention.
The People Daily:
Kenyan politics remains sharply divided. One faction led by Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka is reportedly gaining traction in the Western region, with George Natembeya now linked to Kalonzo’s ticket (Page 7). Meanwhile, another faction—comprising Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, and Mukhisa Kituyi—is charting a different political course following Raila Odinga’s death, which has cast uncertainty over President Ruto’s relations with ODM (Page 5).
The Star:
Raila’s passing has thrown Ruto’s unity deal with ODM into turmoil. The paper reports that one faction within ODM is pushing for government positions and preservation of party identity, while others demand a new power-sharing framework. The headline reads: “Raila’s Party in Turmoil as Ruto Deal Sparks War.”
Taifa Leo:
The daily exposes a shocking corruption scandal in the public service under the headline “Wizi Bila Jasho Serikalini.” The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, has revealed that some civil servants have been using fake academic certificates and altering birth dates to remain on the payroll long after retirement. The report paints a grim picture of systemic fraud and impunity in government departments.
While Tanzania reels under Suluhu’s heavy-handed crackdown, Kenya’s political scene remains deeply fragmented following Raila’s death. Across the border, both nations are facing leadership tests—Tanzania’s rooted in fear and repression, Kenya’s in succession and political realignment.
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