Uasin Gishu Clerics Urge Respect for Regional Sovereignty Amid Activist Deportation Row

By Isaac Kogei 

Religious leaders in Uasin Gishu County are calling on Kenyan human rights activists to avoid meddling in the internal affairs of neighboring countries under the pretext of promoting democracy.

Led by the Council of Imams Chairperson, Abubakar Bini, the clerics defended Tanzanian authorities following the recent deportation of a group of Kenyan activists.

The activists had traveled to Tanzania in a show of support for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges.

Speaking during a press briefing, Imam Bini stressed the need to uphold the sovereignty and legal frameworks of East African nations.

“Sisi Wakenya tunafaa kuheshimu sheria za nchi nyingine kama Tanzania. Wako na sheria za kudhibiti wageni na watu wanaoingia humo.”

(We Kenyans must respect the laws of other countries like Tanzania. They have their own regulations governing visitors and foreign entrants.)

Among those deported were high-profile figures including People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. Their presence sparked a heated debate both in Tanzania and back home.

The clerics emphasized that while democracy and human rights are core values, they should not be used as tools to interfere with the governance of sovereign nations. They urged activists and political leaders to pursue their advocacy through appropriate, diplomatic channels that foster regional peace and mutual respect.

“Let us not export our politics or impose our views where they are not welcome,” Bini added.