Kenyans Arrested in Tanzania Say Detention Felt Like a Death Sentence
A Kenyan lawyer and tour operator, Frederick Lorent Obuya, has described his detention in Tanzania under harsh conditions that left him fearing for his life.
Obuya was arrested in Dar es Salaam on 31 October while visiting Zanzibar for business and to mark his birthday. He was among hundreds of people, including foreign nationals and Tanzanian citizens, detained after President Samia Suluhu was declared the winner of a disputed general election with over 97 per cent of the vote.
The result triggered protests and a strict security response. Obuya recounted the uncertainty and psychological strain of detention. Initially told he would be arraigned within two days, he was later informed by police that his case was “too hard” and would take at least two weeks.
The delay caused him significant distress, leading to his first tears in custody. He shared the experience with fellow Kenyan detainee John Nderitu. After two nights under guard in a hotel, the men were transferred to Oyster Bay Police Station.
Obuya described one night in a crowded cell as the lowest point of his detention, with minors as young as 13 held alongside adults, unsanitary conditions, broken toilets, and bedbug-infested bedding. He said he feared he would not survive another night in the cell.
Following diplomatic intervention and social media pressure, Obuya and Nderitu were moved to a hotel under diplomatic escort and returned to Nairobi on 8 November. Tanzanian authorities had extended their detention by a week, but both declined to remain in the country, citing fears of further arrest.
