Martha Karua has found herself in the middle of an international political storm — and Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) is not taking her activism lightly.
In a fiery response on Friday, CCM Vice-Chairman Stephen Wasira slammed the Kenyan politician for what he termed as unwarranted interference in Tanzania’s internal affairs.
While Karua, the leader of Kenya’s People’s Liberation Party, paints her actions as Pan-African solidarity, Wasira made it clear she was unwelcome.
The message was simple: Tanzania’s politics are for Tanzanians. Karua, he said, should focus on fixing Kenya instead of flying to Dar es Salaam to lecture others.
Martha Karua’s Activism Sparks Outrage in Tanzania
Martha Karua has been vocal about the detention of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. She even flew to Tanzania to observe the proceedings in court, standing in solidarity with Lissu and Chadema Party supporters. But her actions have ruffled feathers at the highest levels of Tanzanian leadership.
Speaking at a CCM event, Stephen Wasira, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, did not mince his words. He accused Karua of stepping far beyond her jurisdiction.
“I listened to Martha Karua when she was here, speaking as a party leader,” Wasira said. “She alleged that CCM is afraid of Chadema, that is why it is seizing their leaders before the general elections. I want to boldly tell her that here in Tanzania, there is no party that CCM can fear.”
Wasira made it crystal clear that CCM is not intimidated by Chadema or any other opposition force. He emphasized that Tanzania’s ruling party has a history of handling its affairs internally and peacefully — without needing lectures from foreign politicians.
Wasira didn’t stop there. He accused Karua of misunderstanding the political situation in Tanzania and misrepresenting facts to stir tension.
According to him, her accusations that CCM was undermining the East African Community spirit were baseless.
“Don’t try to compare yourself with CCM,” Wasira warned. “We have no issues with any party, and we cannot meddle in matters of the court.”
In his fiery remarks, Wasira advised Karua to first address the deep-seated political and social issues in Kenya — including corruption, security challenges, and economic instability — before attempting to comment on Tanzanian affairs.
He suggested that if Karua wanted to advocate for democracy, she should turn her attention to crisis-stricken regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo or South Sudan, where her efforts might be needed more urgently.
Karua Fires Back, Defends Her Actions
Never one to back down from a political fight, Martha Karua responded swiftly to Wasira’s attacks. Taking to social media, she thanked the CCM Vice-Chairman for taking time to respond to her advocacy. But she didn’t spare him from sharp criticism either.
Karua accused Wasira of deliberately sidestepping the real issues — violations of human rights and abuse of power during the court hearings of Tundu Lissu.
“Thank you for the response,” Karua posted, “but, unfortunately, Mr Wasira did not address the violations of the constitution and the actions of the police at Kisutu court, including suppressing and brutally attacking citizens and leaders, killing, breaking bones, and injuring them.”
Karua stood firm on her position that speaking up against injustice is not meddling, but an obligation for all Africans who believe in democracy and human rights.
Martha Karua Accuses CCM of Unleashing Brutality on the Opposition
She called out the brutality unleashed on Chadema supporters during Lissu’s hearings and challenged CCM to show more accountability rather than resorting to nationalism as a shield against criticism.
Her remarks reignited debate across East Africa, with some praising her courage and others accusing her of grandstanding for political mileage back home.
The clash between Wasira and Karua has exposed deep divisions in how political leaders in East Africa view cross-border advocacy. While Pan-Africanism is often praised in principle, when it comes to domestic politics, many leaders are quick to slam the door on outsiders.
Conclusion
Martha Karua’s attempt to stand up for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has put her squarely in the crosshairs of Tanzania’s ruling elite.
Stephen Wasira’s sharp rebuke was a loud warning to foreign politicians: Tanzania’s politics are off-limits. Meanwhile, Karua remains defiant, insisting that democracy knows no borders.
This heated exchange is a clear reminder that in East Africa, solidarity comes with serious risks — and sometimes, political walls are harder to tear down than anyone expects.
