Tension gripped the Namanga border on Thursday as violent protests erupted, turning one of East Africa’s busiest crossings into a battlefield of smoke, anger, and uncertainty.
What began as a peaceful demonstration by traders soon spiralled into chaos, with police clashing with protesters amid chants demanding justice and fair treatment at the border. Tear gas filled the air as vehicles screeched to a halt, travellers stranded between two nations suddenly caught in a storm of frustration.
By afternoon, both sides of the border, the Kenyan and Tanzanian posts, had fallen eerily silent except for the heavy presence of security officers.
Kenya’s government swiftly responded, calling for calm and strict adherence to the law. In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of Interior urged citizens to remain peaceful and allow authorities to investigate the cause of the violence.
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“We call upon all Kenyans to respect the law and maintain peace. Cross-border issues must be handled through proper diplomatic and legal channels,” the statement read.
“We just wanted our voices heard,” said one trader from Namanga. “But now our businesses are closed, and people are scared to even cross the border.”
The Namanga border is not just a checkpoint, it’s a lifeline connecting families, traders, and travellers between Kenya and Tanzania. Every day, hundreds of trucks ferry goods vital to both economies. Disruptions here ripple far beyond the dusty border town.
Regional analysts have warned that the unrest, if not contained, could strain relations between the two East African neighbours.
“This is more than just a protest; it’s a reflection of deeper frustrations over trade, fairness, and governance,” said a Nairobi-based political commentator.
By evening, calm had largely been restored, but the unease lingered — a reminder that beneath the surface of trade and diplomacy lies a fragile peace that demands constant care.
As both governments pledge dialogue and cooperation, the people of Namanga hope for one thing above all: stability, and the freedom to live and trade without fear.
