A heated online feud has erupted between Kenyans and Tanzanians following controversial remarks made by a Tanzanian forex trader and influencer known as Chief Godlove. His statements, widely perceived as inflammatory and disrespectful, have triggered a wave of reactions across social media platforms.
Chief Godlove, who is well-known for showcasing his lavish lifestyle online, made a series of sweeping and derogatory comments about Kenyans. During an interview, he bluntly declared that all Kenyans are poor and dismissed any comparison between the two nations. According to him, Kenyans are struggling economically, with many youths jobless and resorting to crime to make ends meet. He went as far as claiming that he could afford to “buy” Kenyan youths and employ them to take care of his dogs, a comment that particularly enraged many people.
He further claimed that Tanzanians are financially better off, stating that no Tanzanian can go a couple of days without food or lack basic cash like TSh 10,000 (approximately KSh 479). He described Kenyans as hungry and painted a grim picture of life in the country, asserting that their daily existence is filled with hardship and desperation.
These comments were met with fierce backlash online. Interestingly, many Tanzanians quickly distanced themselves from the influencer’s statements. They criticized him for generalizing and promoting divisive narratives. Some pointed out that his remarks only reflect life in affluent areas like Dar es Salaam and ignore the reality of people living in less privileged regions, including rural communities where poverty and hunger are real challenges.
Others highlighted the importance of education and respectful discourse, expressing embarrassment that such views were being shared publicly. Many took the opportunity to acknowledge Kenya’s economic and technological advancements, arguing that the country has, in fact, outpaced Tanzania in various sectors.
In the midst of this drama, Kenyan youth—particularly Gen Z—also weighed in. Known for their activism and leadership during the 2024 protests, they took to TikTok with their usual blend of humor and sarcasm to respond. They poked fun at Tanzanian youth for being passive in the face of political and social issues, contrasting this with what they described as Kenyan Gen Z’s boldness and willingness to take action.
These TikTok videos, which walked the line between satire and social commentary, went viral. Some praised the Kenyan youth for their spirited defense of their country and for standing up against the derogatory remarks. Others, particularly from Tanzania, viewed the videos as provocative and unnecessary, further fuelling the tension between the two sides.
As the online exchanges continue, it’s clear that Chief Godlove’s comments have done more to unite East Africans in critique of ignorance than to divide them along national lines. Many users across both countries are now calling for more respectful dialogue and for influencers to use their platforms to promote unity rather than incite division.
