Babu Owino Demands Explanation from Tanzanian President on Denied Entry

0
22
MP Babu Owino (L) and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino is seeking an explanation from Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu after he was denied entry into the country last December.

Owino had travelled to Tanzania and, upon his arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, was informed by immigration officers that he was persona non grata.

His passport was rejected, and he was detained for three hours before being turned away.

In a formal letter to President Suluhu, Owino requested a written explanation as to why he was denied entry.

“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, or for any other legitimate reasons,” he stated.

Owino also pointed out that his freedom of movement was violated, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

He referenced the East African Treaty and the East African Community Common Market regulations, which guarantee free movement within the region.

Babu Owino’s letter to President Samia Suluhu.

“Lastly, Kenya, as a sovereign state, issues travel passports to its citizens, which are recognized by other states under international law,” Owino added.

He concluded by emphasising that his rights, as a global citizen, should be respected. “All those rights and fundamental freedoms apply to me as a citizen of this planet.

“… I look forward to your response on this. A Kiswahili translation of this letter will be provided upon your request,” he said.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.