Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has written to President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania seeking an explanation on why he was denied entry to the neighbouring country.
In a letter dated Monday, February 3, Babu detailed that he was denied entry to Tanzania in December 2024.
According to the lawmaker, he was even detained at the airport adding that he was informed that he was a person non grata in Tanzania.
Babu added that the action by the Tanzania authorities contravened the laws of the East African Community (EAC), further seeking clarification on why his freedom of movement was infringed.
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"Kenya, as a sovereign state, issues travelling passports to her citizens, which are recognized by other states under international law. All those rights and fundamental freedoms apply to me as a citizen of this planet," read the letter in part.
"Therefore, I am placing this special request to your office to appraise me in writing on the reasons why I am not allowed to enter Tanzania for business, as a representative of the people of Kenya, or as a friend of the people of Tanzania and for any other legitimate reasons."
Additionally, given that Kiswahili is Tanzania's official language, the MP noted that he was willing to write the letter in Tanzania's official language should the Suluhu make a request.
"Nyerere International Airport. When she comes to Kenya we welcome her as a friend but when a sitting member of Parliament goes to Tanzania her Government frustrates him. This is unacceptable," he added.
