Wajackoyah Rescues Tanzanian Youths Who Fled at Night to Escape Political Persecution
Kenyan lawyer and politician Prof. George Wajackoyah has received a group of young Tanzanians who crossed into Kenya, claiming to have fled their home country to escape political persecution.
The group, which included senior members of Tanzania’s opposition party CHADEMA (Party for Democracy and Progress), said they had been forced to flee after facing threats, intimidation, and violent crackdowns amid what they described as a deepening political crisis.
Led by CHADEMA’s Director of Organization, Training and Elections, the exiles recounted their ordeal of escaping across the border at night. They claimed that more than 600 opposition supporters are currently facing treason-related charges, while over 10,000 people have allegedly been killed in ongoing unrest tied to the disputed election.
One of the refugees, Rose Mayemba, who serves on CHADEMA’s Central Committee, was visibly emotional as she described her narrow escape.
“I fled Tanzania to save my life. Many of our colleagues have been arrested or have disappeared. Speaking up for democracy has become a death sentence,” Mayemba said through tears.
The group has vowed to continue challenging President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s election victory through legal means, insisting the opposition will not relent until justice is served.
“We appeal for calm, not revenge,” said one member. “Our struggle is for truth and accountability, not chaos.”
Prof. Wajackoyah, who also serves as a legal adviser to CHADEMA, thanked the Kenyan government for allowing refugees to seek safety within its borders. However, he criticized Nairobi for what he termed “symbolic legitimization” of the Tanzanian administration.
“Kenya has a moral and legal obligation to protect those fleeing persecution,” Wajackoyah stated. “While I commend our government for keeping the borders open, it was regrettable that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attended President Samia’s inauguration. That move, intentionally or not, sent the wrong message.”
Wajackoyah further called on Kenyan and regional opposition parties to issue a joint statement in solidarity with Tanzanians who are “risking their lives for democracy.”
“This is not just Tanzania’s problem — it is an East African problem,” he said. “Silence in the face of oppression makes us complicit.”
Neither the Tanzanian government nor CHADEMA officials in Dar es Salaam had issued an immediate response to the claims at the time of publication.
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Wajackoyah Rescues Tanzanian Youths Who Fled at Night to Escape Political Persecution