Angry Tanzanian MPs Rebuke Kenyans Trolling President Suluhu
Tanzanian lawmakers have reacted with fury to growing online criticism from Kenyans directed at President Samia Suluhu Hassan, following the controversial arrest and deportation of two prominent East African activists.
During a heated debate on the 2025/2026 national budget in Dodoma, Geita MP Joseph Musukuma lashed out at Kenyan social media users, accusing them of undermining Tanzanian sovereignty and interfering in the country’s internal matters.
“We are far ahead of them politically and intellectually. We top in everything. Speaking good English isn’t a priority for us,” Musukuma said defiantly.
The backlash stems from the arrest of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, who were in Tanzania on May 18 to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The pair were allegedly tortured, held incommunicado, and later deported—prompting regional and international condemnation.
Felista Deogratius Njau, a Women Representative, condemned the use of artificial intelligence by Kenyans to mock President Suluhu with digitally altered images.
“How can they bully our President Samia Suluhu Hassan? I condemn this behaviour because it is not acceptable in the community. Our President must be respected, not bullied,” she said.
Bunda MP Boniphace Mwita Getere echoed similar sentiments, stating that President Suluhu’s actions were justified and aligned with her mandate to protect Tanzania’s sovereignty.
“She is not just a calm leader. She is the Commander-in-Chief, and when our country is threatened, she takes action,” Getere said.
The escalating tensions have caught the attention of global human rights watchdogs and foreign governments. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs released a statement via X (formerly Twitter), expressing “deep concern” over reports of the activists’ mistreatment.
“The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of the two East African activists,” the statement read, calling for an immediate and full investigation into the alleged human rights abuses.
The U.S. also noted that Agather Atuhaire had previously been honored with the “International Women of Courage” award by the State Department.
Amnesty International joined the chorus of concern, demanding Tanzanian authorities investigate the “arbitrary arrest, torture, incommunicado detention, and forcible deportation” of Mwangi and Atuhaire.
As diplomatic tensions simmer, Tanzanian MPs remain defiant, defending their president and warning outsiders against meddling in their national affairs.
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Angry Tanzanian MPs Rebuke Kenyans Trolling President Suluhu