Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has launched a scathing attack against Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), the ruling political party in Tanzania.

Senator Onyonka says that just like the Kenya African National Union (KANU) which had dictatorial tendencies during its reign in Kenya, CCM is equally advancing authoritarianism in the neighbouring country.

Speaking during an interview with TV47, Onyonka insisted that governments in Eastern Africa ought to be ready to be questioned in every initiative they undertake, and allow criticism.

“Kenya is going to set the standard on what we want. Our standard is not Uganda, neither is it Tanzania. Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) is just like how KANU used to be. We don’t want a country where questions are not asked, young people are victimised by head of state,” Onyonka said during the interview on Wednesday, May 28.

Onyonka’s sentiments came hours after President William Ruto, during the national prayer breakfast, had apologised to Tanzania following days of tension between the two countries.

A section of Kenyans on social media have been attacking Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan, after recent detention and deportation of Kenyan activists, including Boniface Mwangi.

Mwangi, together with PLP Party Leader Martha Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire had travelled to Tanzania to witness the trail of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

Irked Tanzanian MPs, on Monday this week, also launched a veiled attack against Kenyans, accusing the country’s youth of lacking respect of the country’s sovereignty.