Tanzanian Members of Parliament have launched a fierce defense of President Samia Suluhu Hassan following a wave of online backlash from Kenyan social media users over the detention and deportation of two East African activists. During a heated debate on the 2025/2026 national budget, several lawmakers denounced what they described as Kenyan interference in Tanzania’s sovereign affairs.
Geita MP Joseph Musukuma led the charge, lambasting Kenyans for what he termed as “disrespectful trolling” of President Suluhu. Referring to the criticism as unwarranted, Musukuma asserted that Tanzania was justified in defending its national interests. “We are far ahead of them politically and intellectually,” he said. “Speaking good English isn’t our priority. We top in everything.”
The uproar stems from the arrest of prominent activists Boniface Mwangi of Kenya and Agather Atuhaire of Uganda, who were detained in Tanzania on May 18. The pair had traveled to observe the trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu but were reportedly arrested, tortured, held incommunicado, and then forcibly deported—a move that triggered outrage across the region and drew condemnation from international human rights groups.
Felista Deogratius Njau, a Women Representative, specifically condemned the use of artificial intelligence by Kenyan users to create memes mocking President Suluhu. “Our President must be respected, not bullied,” she said, calling the online attacks unacceptable.
Bunda MP Boniphace Mwita Getere backed Suluhu’s actions, emphasizing her constitutional role. “She is the Commander-in-Chief. When the country is threatened, she takes action,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the incident has attracted international scrutiny. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs expressed “deep concern” over the activists’ reported mistreatment and called for a full investigation. The U.S. also noted Atuhaire’s past recognition as an “International Woman of Courage.”
Amnesty International echoed these calls, urging Tanzanian authorities to probe allegations of arbitrary arrest, torture, and deportation.
As diplomatic tensions simmer, the episode underscores rising regional sensitivities around human rights, sovereignty, and freedom of expression.
