Tanzania police on Monday arrested opposition members, including prominent leader Tundu Lissu, and journalists in Dar es Salaam before planned peaceful protests calling on the government to address the abduction of opposition figures in recent months.

The opposition had called for citizens to join in the rally, which the Tanzanian government had banned, citing security concerns. Police were deployed nationwide to prevent unrest. Despite this, Tanzania’s main opposition, the Chadema Party, resolved to continue the protests.

Moments before the crackdown on the opposition, police had blocked access to the homes of two opposition leaders in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. The police further intensified their presence across Dar es Salaam to thwart the planned protests

A report by police said they had arrested 14 people, including the Chadema Party chairman Freeman Mbowe and Lissu, for defying a prohibition on the protests. However, the Chadema party has released a list of about 27 people who, according to them, have been arrested and detained by the police following Monday’s planned protests. The party also confirmed the arrest of its top officials and called on the police to respect the constitution and refrain from using excessive force to suppress the demonstrations.

According to Citizen Tanzania, Chadema’s chairman, Freeman Mbowe, was arrested on the street while addressing journalists, while his deputy, Tundu Lissu was taken from his home in Tegeta. This comes at a time when the nation is in the spotlight for political suppression and human rights abuses of those critical of President Samia Suluhu’s government.

Later on Monday, Chadema announced the release of Tundu Lissu on bail. Freeman Mbowe and Benson Kigaila were also granted bail. The party officials are currently working to ensure all the arrested members and citizens get bail.

The arrests occurred less than 3 weeks after the killing of Ally Mohammed Kibao, a member of Chadema’s secretariat. By Jabes Ojwang, Jurist

The High Court yesterday allowed the Azimio La Coalition to join a lawsuit contesting the controversial lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Adani Group. 

Justice Bahati Mwamuye's decision allows the coalition, which includes key political parties like Wiper Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya, under the leadership of Kalonzo Musyoka, Jeremiah Kioni, and Eugene Wamalwa respectively, to file a formal challenge to the legality of the deal. 

On Monday, Kalonzo, representing the coalition, passionately urged the court to allow the political parties to be formally enjoined as petitioners. 

"Your Honour, I kindly request that Wiper, Jubilee, and the Democratic Action Party be included in this matter. Given the irregularities surrounding this deal, it is prudent for us to participate in this critical issue," pleaded the Wiper boss.

Lawyer Mugai Kibei, representing activist Tony Gachoka and a group of Mount Kenya lawyers, voiced their support for the coalition's inclusion.

"Given the public interest in this matter, it would be fair to allow amendments to the petition. We are ready to make necessary changes within ten days," Kibei stated while advocating for the coalition's involvement to ensure a comprehensive examination of the lease. 

Kalonzo's request was also supported by Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru who emphasised that the coalition's participation was crucial, echoing the sentiment that the case merits thorough scrutiny. 

"We urge the court to grant orders preventing the government from executing the deal until this lawsuit is resolved," Njiru argued, citing procedural and constitutional concerns. 

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), represented by State counsel Kiragu Kimani, opposed the request for conservatory orders, claiming they had not yet been served with the petition.

"Granting any orders at this stage would lead to conflicting rulings since there exists another matter pending before Judicial Review Division filed by Law society of Kenya and there is a stay order," Kimani warned, highlighting the complexities surrounding the lease agreement.

Meanwhile, James Ochieng Oduor, representing Airport Infrastructure PLC, confirmed that they too had not received the petition but did not oppose the coalition’s inclusion. 

"We acknowledge the importance of the issues raised and support the amendment of the petition," he said. 

Lawyer Fred Ngatia, representing the Transport Workers Union, welcomed Azimio's request, stressing the urgency of the matter. 

"Time is of the essence. This deal has been in the process for three months, and we need clarity on its validity," he insisted, urging the court to set a swift timeline for the proceedings.

Justice Mwamuye, after careful consideration, allowed Azimio's request to join the lawsuit, setting a deadline for the coalition to file their formal petition by September 30. 

The judge also granted the initial petitioners the opportunity to amend their suit and introduce new evidence, emphasising the importance of a comprehensive legal examination of the lease agreement.

Additionally, Justice Mwamuye directed both KAA and the Adani Group to respond to the lawsuit by October 10, 2024, with a mention scheduled for October 17. 

It is alleged that the lease agreement with the Adani Group that was finalised in July, promises extensive upgrades to JKIA, including new terminal constructions and improved facilities, with a projected investment of approximately $2.05 billion (Sh 266.5 billion)

However, the petitioners have raised serious objections regarding the legality and transparency of the deal. 

They argue that the negotiations were conducted without sufficient public consultation and lack the necessary parliamentary approval, which they claim is vital for significant transactions involving national assets.

Gachoka, alongside the Mount Kenya lawyers, has characterised the lease as shrouded in secrecy, asserting that it poses a threat to Kenya’s sovereignty and economic stability. 

“The government is poised to sign a concealed concession agreement that alienates JKIA for 30 years,” Gachoka warned, highlighting fears that such an arrangement could compromise national security.

The petitioners have underscored concerns about the potential long-term repercussions of leasing a strategic national asset to a foreign entity.

They argue that punitive terms within the lease could impose significant financial burdens on Kenya in various scenarios, including defaults or civil unrest. 

This arrangement has been described as a “well-orchestrated scandal” and a manifestation of “legalised corruption,” jeopardising the interests of Kenyan citizens.

Seeking a declaration that the lease violates constitutional principles of public participation and sustainable development, the petitioners demand that the court prevent any execution of the deal until all legal challenges are resolved. 

They argue that such critical decisions regarding national assets require robust public engagement and transparency to safeguard Kenya’s sovereignty. By Nancy Gitonga, The Standard

Months after linking the Gen Z protests to the Ford Foundation, President William Ruto has met with the Foundation's President, Darren Walker, in New York.

Ruto shared images of the meeting on X, lauding the Ford Foundation for supporting democracy in Kenya.  

"Kenya appreciates the Ford Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding our democracy and supporting our calls for reforms in global economic institutions, climate action, and modern technology regulation," said Ruto. 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were also present at the meeting.

In July, at the height of the Gen Z-led protests in Kenya, the government accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring the violence, though they provided no evidence. 

The government even threatened to expel the American organisation from the country.  

"I want to call out those behind the chaos in Kenya. Shame on them for funding violence against our democratic nation. I ask the Ford Foundation—how does funding violence benefit them?" Ruto said at the time. 

Days later, the Foundation denied the accusations, listing at least  401 Kenyan grantees who had received funding between 2006 and 2024, none of whom had criminal records.

Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'oei also met with a Foundation delegation led by Martin Abregu, Vice President for International Programs, to discuss concerns raised in a July 18, 2024 letter to the Foundation's president.

“During our candid discussions, I emphasised Kenya's commitment to fostering a robust civic space that encourages citizen engagement in governance,” Sing'oei said.

In the letter, the PS noted that some organisations funded by the Ford Foundation were involved in anti-government protests.  

"It is noteworthy that several of your grantees received a total of Sh752 million between April 2023 and May 2024, with an unexplained expedited funding of Sh194 million over the past month," the letter stated. After the Kenyan government's accusations, Ruto’s meeting with the Ford Foundation now raises eyebrows. By Mate Tongola, The Standard