Kenyans storm Tanzania border after John Heche is blocked from attending Raila’s burial
Kenyans storm Tanzania border after John Heche is blocked from attending Raila's burial
Drama ensued at the Kenya-Tanzania border after a rowdy group from both nations stormed the immigration offices, demanding the release of Tanzanian opposition leader John Heche.
Heche is said to have been apprehended on Saturday afternoon at the Isibania One Stop Border Post while he was on his way to attend Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County.
Following his detention, the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) Deputy Chairperson released a brief video revealing that the authorities had detained him and confiscated his passport.
In the video, Heche noted that the officials did not reveal the reason for his apprehension, further accusing the police of failing to follow the legal procedure in his detention.
“I have been blocked from entering Kenya. I am here at the border, and they want to detain me without any legal authority. I don’t have anything because they have taken my passport,” he said.
His detention quickly sparked wild reactions from Kenyans and some Tanzanians alike, with many questioning the motive behind Heche’s apprehension.
In a show of solidarity with the opposition leader, a large group of Kenyans reportedly stormed the immigration centre where Heceh had been detained, with the crowd demanding his immediate release.
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In the widely shared videos of the incident, the locals could be seen charging towards the border post as they shouted, “We want Heche, release Heche.”
However, a contingent of police officers deployed to man the border crossing quickly intervened and stopped the protesters from accessing the immigration officers.
Adamant about their pursuit, the residents, who were mainly from Isebania town, staged protests in front of the immigration office gates, forcing the authorities to release the opposition leader.
Following his release, the CHADEMA party leader immediately embarked on his journey to Bondo for the burial of the former Prime Minister, whose interment is expected to take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Moments after his release, Heche accused the Tanzanian government, led by President Samia Suluhu, of allegedly frustrating him by instigating his apprehension.
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