At least four people, including two Kenyans, were shot by police officers while protesting at the Namanga border post on Thursday afternoon. The incident left two Tanzanians dead and two Kenyans nursing serious gunshot wounds, reigniting tensions along the busy Kenya-Tanzania border.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as police opened fire on crowds demanding fair elections in Tanzania. The two injured Kenyans were rushed to Kajiado County Referral Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
The shooting has drawn widespread outrage from human rights groups calling for accountability from both governments.
Chaos Erupts at Namanga Border Post Over Disputed Tanzanian Elections
The protests began early Thursday morning when a group of Tanzanians, frustrated by what they called an unfair electoral process, overpowered border officers and crossed into the Kenyan side. Once there, they were joined by local residents who shared solidarity with their Tanzanian counterparts.
Protesters blocked sections of the highway linking the two countries and lit bonfires as they chanted anti-government slogans. What started as a peaceful march quickly turned violent when security forces from the Tanzanian side allegedly began shooting into the crowd.
According to Kajiado County Commander Alex Shikondi, the two Tanzanians killed were young men aged 27 and 28. “They were shot by officers from the Tanzanian side who opened fire in a panic,” Shikondi said. “The Kenyans were hit during the chaos and sustained serious abdominal injuries.”
Eyewitness videos circulating online showed armed officers firing live rounds while protesters fled in panic. Screams and chaos filled the air as both Tanzanians and Kenyans scrambled for safety.
Government Warns Kenyans Against Joining Tanzanian Protests
Following the incident, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo issued a strong warning to Kenyans planning to cross into Tanzania to participate in the demonstrations. He said any Kenyan found joining foreign protests would be violating the law.
“I don’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania,” Omollo told reporters. “In Kenya, we have laws and regulations that guide demonstrations. Anyone who wants to protest must follow the legal process within our borders.”
Despite the warning, many Kenyans living near the border say they feel connected to the political events in Tanzania. “We trade, we intermarry, we share everything,” said one resident. “When their elections are unfair, it affects us too.”
Tanzania’s government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but local media reports suggest security forces had been instructed to prevent any foreign interference in the election process.
Families Demand Justice and Transparency
Families of the injured Kenyans are demanding justice, accusing both governments of excessive force and negligence. They argue that shooting unarmed protesters violates international human rights laws.
“We just want to know why live bullets were used on peaceful protesters,” said a relative of one victim. “Our people were standing on Kenyan soil. They did not deserve to be shot.”
Human rights groups have also condemned the shooting, calling for an independent investigation. Amnesty International’s Kenya chapter urged authorities to identify and prosecute the officers responsible for the killings.
“This incident shows the dangers of militarized policing along borders,” said an Amnesty representative. “Both countries must respect the right to peaceful protest and avoid unnecessary use of force.”
Meanwhile, tension remains high at the border, with both countries deploying additional officers to prevent further clashes. Residents fear that if justice is not served, the situation could escalate into a diplomatic standoff.
Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 30, 2025 |
| Location | Namanga Border Post (Kenya-Tanzania) |
| Casualties | 2 Tanzanians killed, 2 Kenyans injured |
| Injured Persons | Admitted to Kajiado County Referral Hospital |
| Cause | Police opened fire on protesters |
| Protest Reason | Tanzanians protesting alleged unfair elections |
| Government Response | Kenyan Interior PS warned citizens against joining protests |
Call for Calm and Cross-Border Dialogue
Leaders from both nations are now calling for calm. Civil society groups have urged Nairobi and Dodoma to launch a joint inquiry to determine how the border protest turned deadly.
“The use of live ammunition against civilians is unacceptable,” said one activist from Arusha. “We need accountability, not silence.”
The Namanga border, one of the busiest trade routes between Kenya and Tanzania, remains under tight security. Movement has slowed, and traders say the tension is hurting business.
Kenyan and Tanzanian officials have held initial talks to prevent a repeat of the violence, but citizens fear deep mistrust may linger unless the victims get justice.
The shooting at the Namanga border post has once again exposed the fragile relations between the two nations during moments of political unrest. For many residents, it is a painful reminder that even a border meant to unite people can easily become a line of blood when power and politics collide.
