The preamble to the East Africa Community treaty says that the state parties entered the marriage to strengthen their economic, social, cultural, political, technological and other ties for fast, balanced and sustainable development.

Member countries were convinced that cooperation at the sub-regional and regional levels in all fields of human endeavour would raise the standards of living of African peoples, maintain and enhance the economic stability, foster close and peaceful relations among African states, and accelerate successive stages in the realisation of the proposed African Economic Community and Political Union.

Achieving these noble goals has, however, been hindered by hostility and paranoia among member states, especially the United Republic of Tanzania. This has been reflected in trade barriers, unfair competitive practices, restrictions to labour mobility and political competition.

And here, no country presents an inspiring story.

It was never anticipated that the hostility and mutual distrust among member countries would escalate to the deportation of law-abiding East African community citizens. And here Tanzania is the main culprit.

Only yesterday (May 17, 17, 2025), Tanzania deported respected Kenyan politician and lawyer Martha Karua, who was in Dar es Salaam at the invitation of the East African Law Society.

Karua was in the country to attend court proceedings involving opposition chief Tundu Lissu.

Also kicked out of the country were human rights advocate Lynn Ngugi and Law Society of Kenya council member Gloria Kimani.

We are not aware that Karua had violated Tanzania’s migration laws, but her deportation seems to be highly political due to her association with Lissu, who is detained and facing treason charges.

Tanzania’s electoral commission has barred the main opposition party, Chadema, from contesting presidential and parliamentary elections due to take place later this year.

The agency said the party had failed to sign a mandatory code of conduct agreement by the required deadline for the polls expected to take place in October.

As the Tanzania Bar Association pointed out, the deportation of Karua and her colleagues was a disgraceful act and an affront to their personal dignity and fundamental freedoms, as well as a blatant violation of the principles of the East African Community.