Christina Shusho recently found herself at the center of public backlash after sharing a message on social media expressing admiration and support for Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu. The gospel singer posted an official portrait of the president and accompanied it with a caption filled with praise and blessings, stating that she was proud of the leader and prayed for God’s grace to be upon her.
In her message, she encouraged the president to continue doing her best, expressing confidence that God would handle the rest. She also referred to Samia Suluhu as “our pride,” a statement that struck a nerve with many Tanzanians and Kenyans alike, especially considering the growing criticism surrounding the current political climate in Tanzania.
The reactions from social media users were swift and intense. Many voiced disappointment in Shusho, accusing her of being blind to the challenges faced by citizens under Suluhu’s administration. Some pointed out the irony of her silence on alleged injustices within her own country while she previously made veiled criticisms of Kenyan leadership through her music.
Some users questioned her spiritual integrity, calling her a hypocrite for endorsing a government accused of silencing dissent and persecuting church leaders. They argued that a true servant of God should stand against oppression, not praise it. Others resorted to calls for mass unfollowing, expressing that they could no longer support her music or ministry. One follower remarked that anyone caught singing her songs again deserved to be punished, while others mocked her, labeling her a sell-out.
The backlash was further fueled by recent events involving activists Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agatha Atuhaire from Uganda, who reported being tortured by Tanzanian authorities. The two were in the country to attend a court session for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was facing treason charges for demanding reforms. While most of the activists were deported, Mwangi and Atuhaire alleged they were mistreated and dumped at their respective national borders.
Many critics of Shusho viewed her post as a betrayal, especially in light of such incidents. They questioned how she could offer public support for a leader at a time when people were being mistreated and freedom of speech was under threat. The perceived contradiction between her gospel message and political endorsement left many of her fans feeling disappointed and angry.
Despite the uproar, Christina Shusho has not responded to the criticism. The situation remains a hot topic on social media, with some defending her right to express personal opinions, while others insist that public figures, especially those claiming moral or spiritual authority, should be held to higher standards. The controversy serves as a reminder of how influential voices in the public eye can spark strong reactions, particularly when their statements clash with public sentiment during sensitive times.
