Tanzania’s post-election unrest has spilled into Kenya’s Namanga border town, halting trade and prompting calls for calm amid internet blackouts.

Tanzania’s post-election turmoil has crossed its borders, disrupting life and commerce in neighbouring Kenya. In the border town of Namanga, tensions have escalated as Tanzanian protesters fled into Kenyan territory to escape clashes with police — only for Tanzanian security forces to fire tear gas across the border.

The unrest, triggered by disputed presidential election results in Tanzania, has paralysed business operations in Namanga, a vital trade hub linking the two East African nations. Shops have closed, transport has stalled, and trucks carrying goods are stranded at the frontier as fears of violence grow.

“The challenge we have today is that we are not able to operate businesses because of the elections in Tanzania. The Tanzanian police are lobbing tear gas at us. Now we have nothing to feed our kids,” said Taliban Onyango, a trader on the Kenyan side of the border. “We are asking our government to maintain peace at the border so we can go on with our businesses and the same for the Tanzanians.”

Adding to the chaos, Kenya’s side of Namanga has also been affected by an internet blackout imposed by Tanzanian authorities since Wednesday’s election. The shutdown has disrupted communications and hampered access to information, fuelling confusion and anxiety in the border communities.

Amnesty International has condemned the blackout, calling on Tanzania to restore internet access immediately. The human rights group warned that restricting online communication risks escalating the situation further. In response, many protesters have turned to walkie-talkie apps to coordinate demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Kenyan journalists attempting to cross into Tanzania to cover the unfolding crisis have reportedly been barred entry, according to local media reports.

Authorities on both sides are now under pressure to restore calm, as businesses and residents call for urgent diplomatic coordination to prevent further violence and protect livelihoods in the region. (Arise News)