A wave of fear is spreading across Tanzania as security forces launch what many describe as one of the harshest crackdowns on foreigners in recent years.
Reports from multiple towns reveal that soldiers and police are raiding lodgings and guesthouses in search of individuals accused of fueling post-election chaos.
The move, ordered by police headquarters late Monday, has thrown the foreign community especially Kenyans into confusion and panic.
Business owners say the abrupt inspections have disrupted normal operations and scared off customers.
Lodging managers report being forced to open their premises without warning, while guests are questioned and sometimes taken away without explanation. The police claim the operation targets those suspected of inciting violence after the disputed election, but witnesses say the arrests appear random, with little or no evidence presented against those detained.
Kenyans living and working in Tanzania now find themselves in a tense and uncertain situation. Many have chosen to stay indoors, fearing they might be picked up by the authorities even if their travel or work documents are valid.
Some have reported harassment from officers, while others speak of losing personal property during the raids. The fear of being wrongfully accused or deported has left the community anxious and isolated.
The presence of the deputy police chief during several operations has raised eyebrows. Eyewitnesses claim he was seen observing the raids silently as his officers rounded up foreigners.
His lack of intervention, despite the chaos and public concern, has deepened suspicion that the crackdown is not merely about security but also a show of political control.
Observers warn that such silence from top officials could signal approval of actions that undermine due process and basic rights.
The hospitality industry, which heavily depends on visitors from across East Africa, has been hit hard. Many business owners fear losing licenses or being linked to unrest if they host foreigners.
Some establishments have already seen cancellations, while staff worry about losing their jobs if the situation continues.
So far, Tanzanian authorities have not issued a clear statement guaranteeing the safety or rights of foreigners. This silence has only fueled speculation and fear. In Nairobi, relatives of Kenyans in Tanzania are calling for quick diplomatic action.
They want Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other government officials to push for the protection of citizens caught in the crisis.
The fate of East Africans in Tanzania remains uncertain. Many are watching and waiting, hoping that regional diplomacy will bring calm and prevent further abuses.
Fear continues to overshadow daily life for hundreds who once considered Tanzania a safe home away from home.
