Diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Tanzania show no signs of easing, as Tanzanian legislators on Monday addressed growing criticism from Kenyans directed at President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The backlash stems from the recent arrest and deportation of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who were detained in Tanzania on May 18. The two had traveled to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu but were reportedly tortured, held incommunicado, and later deported—drawing condemnation from regional and international human rights organizations.
During a tense budget session in Parliament, several Tanzanian MPs fiercely defended their government’s actions and pushed back against what they described as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Geita MP Joseph Musukuma dismissed the online criticism from Kenyans, saying Tanzania acted within its sovereign rights to protect national interests.
“We are far ahead of them politically and intellectually. We top in everything. Speaking good English isn’t a priority for us,” Musukuma said, in response to online trolling targeting President Suluhu.
Women Representative Felista Deogratius Njau condemned the use of artificial intelligence to generate offensive images of President Suluhu that circulated on social media.
“How can they bully our President Samia Suluhu Hassan? This behavior is unacceptable in any community. Our President must be respected, not ridiculed,” she said.
Bunda MP Boniphace Mwita Getere echoed support for Suluhu’s leadership, portraying her actions as necessary and justified.
“She is not just a calm leader—she is the Commander-in-Chief. When our country is threatened, she acts,” he said.
The incident has drawn attention from human rights groups and foreign governments. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs expressed deep concern over the treatment of Mwangi and Atuhaire, urging Tanzanian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
Atuhaire, notably, was previously recognized by the U.S. State Department as an International Woman of Courage, a detail highlighted in the U.S. statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Amnesty International also released a statement condemning the activists’ arbitrary arrest, torture, incommunicado detention, and forcible deportation, calling for accountability and transparency from the Tanzanian government.
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