TENSIONS BETWEEN KENYA AND TANZANIA

Tensions between Kenya and Tanzania reached a hostile standoff between 1977-1983 when the two countries closed their borders.

The conflict took shape after the collapse of the EAC in 1977, Tanzania accused Kenya of being economically selfish, undermining joint institutions, and pushing for policies that disproportionately benefited Nairobi.

In 1977, Tanzania closed its border with Kenya, a move prompted by the growing distrust. Trade, transport, and people-to-people relations were heavily affected. Air and rail links were cut, and Tanzania ceased all cooperation with Kenya.

Tanzanian officials accused Kenya of harboring fugitives involved in espionage, sabotage and corruption. During the heightened tension, Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere most notable remarks was labeling Kenya as a "man-eat-man society."

President Moi, on the other hand was suspicious of Tanzania, more so,  after the  August  1982 coup attempt which  Moi  believed was secretly  supported by Nyerere and the then Ugandan President Milton Obote. The fact  that the leaders of the plot Hezekiah Ochuka and Pancras Oteyo  were offered refuge in Tanzania further incensed  Moi.

The alleged mistreatment of Tanzanian officials in Nairobi escalated diplomatic tensions. Reports indicated that senior Tanzanian officials faced humiliations, including being denied the opportunity to retrieve personal belongings upon their departure from Kenya. This made Tanzania to severe her diplomatic ties with Kenya.

The two countries  calmed   the tension when  they  agreed  to exchange coup plotters from their respective countries.  After this,  the diplomatic tensions deescalated but the relationship remained  fragile.