A Kenyan journalist, Juma Shoka, who reports for Nyota TV, has been arrested by Tanzanian police officers at Hororo, along the Kenya–Tanzania border inLunga-Lunga Sub-County, Kwale County.
The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Friday, when Shoka and three human rights defenders were conducting a fact-finding mission on cross-border security and human rights conditions amid heightened political tension in Tanzania following the ongoing general elections.
Shoka was accompanied by Francis Auma, Rapid Response Officer at Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI); Waleed Sketi from Vocal Africa; and Bradley Ouna, a concerned citizen. The group had travelled from Mombasa earlier in the day to assess reports that traders and residents were facing disruptions due to heavy deployment of Tanzanian security personnel along the border.
According to Auma, the team was ambushed by Tanzanian police shortly after arriving at the border area. While three of them managed to escape back into Kenya, Shoka was reportedly overpowered and arrested.
“We left Mombasa around 7:00 a.m. and upon reaching Hororo, Tanzanian officers, who appeared to have been tipped off, swiftly moved in and confronted us. Unfortunately, Juma was caught while we managed to flee,” Auma said in a voice note shared with local media.
Auma confirmed that Shoka was in full press identification gear, carrying his camera, press card, and tripod stand when he was detained. He expressed deep concern for the journalist’s safety and urged Kenyan authorities to intervene immediately to secure his release.
“We are deeply worried about what might happen to him because he’s being held in Tanzania, and we have no communication or assurance of his safety,” Auma added.
Arrest Amid Post-Election Unrest in Tanzania
The arrest comes against the backdrop of widespread protests in Tanzania, where opposition supporters have denounced the October 29 general election as rigged. Demonstrations have erupted in major cities, with protesters accusing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of restricting press freedom and sidelining opposition voices.
Reports indicate that hundreds of demonstrators have crossed into Kenyan territory, barricating roads, lighting bonfires, and defacing posters of the President. Kenyan police confirmed that two people died during clashes after fleeing running battles with Tanzanian officers.
Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Juma Shoka remain unclear, and his detention continues to raise alarm among press freedom advocates and human rights organizations.
