Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is reportedly furious after reports emerged that a group of Kenyans forcefully assisted Tanzanian politician John Heche to cross into Kenya in order to attend the burial of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
According to Tanzanian authorities, John Heche, a former Member of Parliament and vocal opposition figure, had not received full clearance from the Immigration Department to travel outside the country. However, videos circulating online allegedly showed a crowd of Kenyans helping him cross the border at Isbania, enabling him to attend the high-profile funeral.
The unexpected act of defiance appears to have angered President Samia Suluhu, who accused Heche of violating Tanzanian immigration laws and collaborating with Kenyans to break the law.
“John Heche ameungana na Wakenya watukutu kuvunja sheria za nchi ya Tanzania. Akirudi lazima ataadhibiwa, au abaki huko huko Bondo,” President Samia reportedly said, expressing her displeasure at the incident.
She further questioned how Kenyans could cross into Tanzanian territory without authorization just to help a politician evade border restrictions.
“Itakuwaje Wakenya kwenye mpaka wa Isbania watiririke kuja upande wa Tanzania, wamchukue Heche na wamvukishe mpaka eti anaenda kuhudhuria matanga ya Raila, wakati Mamlaka ya Uhamiaji ya Tanzania imesema wazi kuwa stakabadhi zake hazijakamilika,” she lamented.
Sources within Tanzanian political circles say the government views Heche’s action as a direct act of indiscipline and a challenge to state authority. There are reports that disciplinary action may be taken against him once he returns to the country.
On the Kenyan side, however, social media users have praised Heche’s determination to attend the burial, describing it as an act of solidarity and friendship with the people of Kenya and the late Raila Odinga, whom many in East Africa regarded as a Pan-African leader.
Heche, who was once a close ally of late Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, has maintained a strong relationship with Kenyan opposition figures and has often attended regional political events promoting democracy and good governance.
The dramatic border incident at Isbania has since gone viral online, with mixed reactions from both Tanzanians and Kenyans — some viewing it as a harmless act of unity, while others see it as a diplomatic embarrassment that could spark tension between the two neighboring countries.
