Tension erupted at the Isebania border between Kenya and Tanzania after a group of angry residents from both sides stormed the immigration offices, demanding the immediate release of Tanzanian opposition leader John Heche.
According to reports, Heche was apprehended on Saturday afternoon at the Isibania One Stop Border Post while on his way to attend the burial of the late Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
Moments after his arrest, the CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson released a short video claiming that the authorities had detained him and confiscated his passport without explanation.
“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,” Heche said in the video.
The video quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage among Kenyans and Tanzanians who demanded answers from the authorities.
In a dramatic turn of events, dozens of locals stormed the immigration post, chanting “Release Heche!” and demanding justice for the opposition leader.
Witnesses say the crowd attempted to push through the border gates, prompting a swift response from heavily armed police officers who moved in to disperse them.
Despite the chaos, the protests persisted, with residents from Isebania town staging a sit-in outside the immigration offices.
Their pressure eventually bore fruit as the authorities were forced to release Heche later that evening.
Following his release, Heche immediately resumed his journey to Bondo for the burial of the late Raila Odinga, while accusing the Tanzanian government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan of allegedly orchestrating his detention.
The incident has reignited concerns over cross-border relations and the freedom of political leaders in the East African region.
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