Kenyans in Tanzania assured of their safety, urged to observe local laws

In a Wednesday communiqué, the Mission said the welfare of Kenyans residing in Tanzania remains a top priority, and that talks with Tanzanian authorities have been held to secure their protection.

"The High Commission encourages the Kenyans in Tanzania to continue with their lawful normal activities as usual," the statement noted in part.

The Commission added that it has resumed normal operations following the lifting of the curfew and the restrictions imposed on October 29, when elections were held and later marred by protests.

Kenyan citizens have been urged to "remain calm, vigilant, observe local laws" and to promptly report any security concerns or the Commission for assistance through +255 22 2668285/6.

President Samia Suluhu, despite unrest and internet blockage after election protests, was sworn in to power on October 3, at the State House in the capital Dodoma and will be deputised by Emmanuel Nchimbi.

Her victory came with harsh rejection of the election results by the main opposition party, Chadema, which was barred from competing, and has called for fresh elections, calling the October 29 election a "sham".

The electoral commission said Hassan won 98 per cent of the vote.

Observers and human rights defenders have termed the elections as flawed, accusing Suluhu's administration of ordering the killing of young citizens.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) electoral observation mission said that its delegation sent to Tanzania faced cases of harassment and also observed a myriad of electoral anomalies.

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) and the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) have condemned the killing of protesters, arguing that the incidents have tainted the nation's image and eroded gains made in public trust for the administration.

"Although the exact number of deaths remains unconfirmed, our observation and various sources indicate that hundreds—mostly youth— have been killed, injured, or arbitrarily arrested," they said in a joint statement.

"These incidents have been reported in several regions, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha, Songwe, Geita, Mara, Shinyanga, and towns such as Tunduma, Katoro, Kahama, and Tarime."

They have urged the government to cease arbitrary arrests on citizens and brutal attacks on citizens, calling for calm and protection of human rights.