Tanzania’s post-election unrest has spilled over into neighbouring Kenya, disrupting daily life and cross-border commerce in the town of Namanga. Tensions escalated after Tanzanian protesters fleeing clashes with police crossed into Kenyan territory, prompting Tanzanian security forces to fire tear gas across the border.
The violence, sparked by disputed presidential election results in Tanzania, has brought business to a standstill in Namanga — a key trade link between the two East African nations. Shops have shut down, transportation has halted, and trucks loaded with goods remain stranded at the frontier amid fears of escalating clashes.
“The challenge we have today is that we are not able to operate businesses because of the elections in Tanzania. The Tanzanian police are lobbing tear gas at us. Now we have nothing to feed our kids,” said trader Taliban Onyango on the Kenyan side of the border. “We are asking our government to maintain peace at the border so we can go on with our businesses and the same for the Tanzanians.”
Kenya’s side of Namanga has also been affected by an internet blackout imposed by Tanzanian authorities since Wednesday’s election. The shutdown has disrupted communication, limited access to information, and fuelled anxiety among residents in both countries.
Amnesty International has condemned the blackout, urging Tanzania to restore internet services immediately. The rights organisation warned that restricting online access could worsen tensions. In response, protesters have reportedly resorted to using walkie-talkie apps to coordinate activities.
Meanwhile, Kenyan journalists attempting to cross into Tanzania to cover the unrest have been denied entry, according to local media reports.
Authorities from both countries are now facing growing calls to restore calm, with business owners and residents urging diplomatic efforts to prevent further violence and protect livelihoods along the shared border.
