Tanzania president warns 'meddling' Kenyan activists

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has warned activists from neighbouring Kenya that she will not allow them to "meddle" in her country's affairs and cause "chaos".

Her comments came after prominent Kenyan lawyers and rights campaigners were deported, preventing them from attending the court case of an opposition leader charged with treason.

"If they have been contained in their country, let them not come here to meddle. Let's not give them a chance. They have already created chaos in their own country," Samia said.

Human rights groups are concerned that the Tanzanian government is increasingly cracking down on the opposition ahead of elections in October.

On Monday, the leader of the main opposition Chadema party, Tundu Lissu, appeared in a magistrate's court after being arrested last month.

He raised his fist in a gesture of defiance and told his supporters: "You will be fine. You should not fear."

The court had previously attempted to conduct proceedings virtually, but Lissu's legal team opposed this, citing the need for transparency.

The Chadema party leader was arrested on  April 9, following his rallying call for "no reforms, no election".

He is demanding sweeping changes, saying Tanzania's current laws do not allow for free and fair elections. The government denies the allegation.

He has since been charged with treason and publishing false information online, which allegedly incited rebellion and accused police of electoral misconduct.

He denies the charges. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.