The post-election turmoil in Tanzania is now affecting neighboring Kenya.
The border town of Namanga, split between the two countries, has seen Tanzanian protesters flee into Kenya to escape clashes with police. However, Tanzanian officers reportedly threw tear gas canisters across the border, creating chaos for local residents.
Businesses on both sides have been forced to shut, and trucks transporting goods remain stuck at the frontier.Taliban Onyango, a trader on the Kenyan side, said: “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. 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”.
Internet blackoutThe Kenyan side of Namanga has also been affected by the internet blackout imposed by Tanzanian authorities since Wednesday’s presidential vote.
Amnesty International has urged Tanzania to restore internet access, warning that limiting information could trigger further unrest. Meanwhile, protesters are reportedly relying on walkie-talkie apps on their phones to coordinate their next actions.
Kenyan media also report that journalists trying to cross into Tanzania have been denied entry.
