Kenyan comedian Timothy Kimani, widely known as Njugush, has once again shown his remarkable ability to turn serious political issues into hilarious moments through his comedy. Recently, Njugush released a skit that humorously addresses Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s controversial remarks after Kenya activists were deported from Tanzania, a move that sparked tension between the two neighboring countries.
The incident involved prominent Kenyan activists and political figures, including Martha Karua, Gloria Kimani, and Lynn Ngugi, who had traveled to Tanzania to witness the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. However, upon arrival at Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Airport, the trio was detained and eventually deported without any clear explanation. The move drew widespread criticism and heightened diplomatic strain between Kenya and Tanzania.
In response to the backlash, President Samia Suluhu defended her government’s actions, accusing the activists of meddling in Tanzania’s internal affairs and warning against attempts to disrupt the country’s peace and stability. Her remarks were seen as stern and uncompromising, reflecting the Tanzanian government’s firm stance on the matter.
Njugush wasted no time to turn this diplomatic tension into comedic gold. In his skit, set up as a classroom scene, Njugush plays the role of an observer watching a strict teacher—a character representing President Suluhu—who is dictating a sentence to a student. The teacher sternly says, “Andika katika imla, utovu wa nidhamu wa watoto wa familia zingine hatutauruhusu huku kwetu,” which translates to not tolerating indiscipline from children of other families in their home. This line cleverly mirrors Suluhu’s comments on unwelcome behaviour from citizens of neighbouring countries.
Playing the concerned onlooker, Njugush intervenes humorously, questioning the teacher’s harshness as he hears the child crying. He delivers a witty pun, blending President Suluhu’s name with the opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s name by saying, “Mama mimi nakuuliza, wewe suluhu ni kumtia tundu mtoto? You are being mean. You are a mean dada.” The pun and wordplay quickly drew laughter, highlighting Njugush’s talent for mixing political satire with relatable humor.
The skit also references regional healthcare differences, with Njugush cheekily suggesting that while some countries may push outsiders away, Kenya remains welcoming, especially in providing essential services like healthcare. This clever contrast added depth to the humor and resonated with many viewers.
The video spread rapidly on social media, with netizens applauding Njugush for his sharp wit and the way he used humor to navigate a tense political situation. Fans praised his creativity, pointing out how he managed to deliver a layered message full of meaning while keeping the tone light and entertaining.
Among the reactions were comments noting Njugush’s genius in delivery, with one viewer saying the humor lies in how the message is communicated rather than just what is said. Others expressed admiration for his ability to weave multiple references—like “Ki-imla,” “Tundu,” “Amin Dada,” and “Door 7”—into one cohesive and hilarious skit. Some users even joked about whether Tanzanian neighbors would understand the layers of humor Njugush packed into the performance.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi publicly supported President Suluhu’s remarks, acknowledging that there was some truth in her observations. However, his endorsement sparked criticism from many Kenyans, who viewed the stance as irresponsible and damaging to regional unity.
Overall, Njugush’s skit stands out as a perfect example of how comedy can be used as a powerful tool to address political issues, diffuse tension, and engage the public in meaningful dialogue— all while keeping them laughing. His unique blend of satire, wordplay, and cultural references continues to earn him widespread admiration and reinforces his position as one of Kenya’s most influential comedians.
