MWE Correspondent
A new controversy has emerged after reports surfaced that opposition figure John Heche, Deputy Chairperson of Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), was blocked from crossing the Sirari Border Post in northern Tanzania to enter Kenya.
According to a statement released on October 18, 2025, by Immigration Spokesperson Paul Mselle, Heche left the country “without following proper immigration procedures” as required under the Immigration Act, Chapter 54. The department emphasized that all citizens and foreign nationals must comply with legal requirements governing entry and departure to avoid breaking the law.
“The Immigration Department urges all Tanzanians and visitors to observe immigration laws and regulations when entering or leaving the country,” the statement read. “Failure to do so could lead to offences and legal action.”
However, conflicting reports have since surfaced. Before the official clarification, Jackson Mnyawami, CHADEMA’s Serengeti Zone Secretary, alleged that Heche was actually prevented from crossing into Kenya to attend the funeral of Raila Odinga, a prominent Kenyan statesman. Mnyawami claimed that immigration officers at Sirari confiscated Heche’s passport without offering any explanation.
The conflicting narratives have fueled a public debate about freedom of movement, the treatment of political figures, and transparency within Tanzania’s immigration system.
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Analysts argue that such incidents raise serious questions about whether opposition leaders face restrictions that government allies do not.
Some political observers have urged the authorities to provide detailed clarification to avoid perceptions of bias. They also called on immigration officials to ensure that all citizens—regardless of political affiliation—are treated equally under the law.
Meanwhile, supporters of Heche have taken to social media, demanding that his passport be returned and that his right to travel freely be respected. The opposition party has also maintained that its members should not face undue restrictions when traveling for personal or official matters.
For now, the full details remain unclear. It has not been confirmed whether Heche was officially stopped from travelling, if his passport was indeed confiscated, or whether his departure violated any formal legal provisions. What is certain, however, is that the incident has drawn national and regional attention, especially given the symbolic significance of Odinga’s funeral in strengthening regional political ties.
