Six human rights defenders have been arrested while petitioning the Embassy of Tanzania in Kenya amid anticipated protests in the neighbouring country, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).

KHRC said the arrest took place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, and the commission has accused President William Ruto of ‘shielding’ Suluhu’s regime and called for greater accountability.

“Police have arrested five human rights defenders who were petitioning the Embassy of Tanzania in Kenya, demanding accountability for the mass killings overseen by Samia Suluhu since 29 October,” KHRC said in an X post.

Among the activists detained were Frederick Ojiro, Julius Kamau, Vincent Mboya, Lichuma, and Shem.

One of the activists, Geoffrey Mboya, clarified the presence of the team at the Embassy, saying they were there to show solidarity towards their neighbours.

They had camped at the embassy to demand accountability for the alleged mass killings in Tanzania following the controversial presidential elections, in which Samia Suluhu won virtually unopposed.

“We’re here to express support for the people of Tanzania as they demonstrate against a dictatorship. We are part of the East Africa community, and whatever happens in Tanzania affects all of us,” he said.

Earlier, KHRC made public its stance on the ongoing turmoil in Tanzania, as the human rights body endorsed plans for nationwide protests on December 9, 2025.

KHRC and allied organisations had issued a statement denouncing the violence and unconstitutional seizure of power in Tanzania, emphasising what it described as ‘the systematic repression of democratic space’.

According to the rights organisation, there was a coordinated crackdown in Tanzania, which involved the use of security forces alongside foreign mercenaries targeting protestors, religious orders and human rights defenders, whilst digital platforms were being censored to erase evidence.

Independence Day

Meanwhile, in Tanzania, authorities have intensified security and restricted movement on with all residents being urged to stay indoors even as the nation celebrates its 64th Independence Day.

Even as Tanzanians commemorate Independence Day at home, there are fears of internet restrictions as witnessed during the previous anti-government protests in Tanzania.

The election protests had seen a total internet blackout in the country that continued until after President Suluhu was sworn in.

Moreover, the European Union has piled pressure on President Samia to release all political prisoners and the bodies of the victims of the protests to their families for burial.