Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is facing intense criticism from human rights activists over her remarks regarding the management of youth-led protests in the region.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has strongly condemned Suluhu over calls to “crack the whip” quite literally on activists and Gen Z youth opposing the governments of Kenya and Tanzania.
The rights defenders say Samia’s statements promote repression across the East African region and undermine long-fought democratic freedoms.
The remarks have sparked anger among human rights defenders, who say they are being directly targeted alongside outspoken Gen Z activists critical of both the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments.
“We are not threatened by your calls for transnational violence. We shall continue to defend our hard-earned freedoms and what remains of democracy,” Geoffrey Mboya, an activist, said.
Another Deus Kanyesigye said, “The stage is being set for more violence. We remain steadfast in the fight for our people.”
The statements by Samia Suluhu Hassan are being viewed by critics as adding salt to injury, even before the dust settles on post-election tensions.
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has remained in prolonged detention for more than one year later, deepening concerns about political repression.
The arrest and alleged torture of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire last year further cast a shadow over Suluhu’s administration, amplifying fears of a shrinking civic space.
Kenyan activists insist they will continue defending Tanzanians’ rights, accusing Suluhu’s administration of brutality following Tanzania’s 2025 presidential elections. A commission of inquiry found that 518 people were killed in post-election unrest.
“We shall continue to stand in solidarity with our brothers who are being oppressed in their own country and we do not need anyone’s permission,” KHRC Deputy Director Cornelius Oduor said.
Despite expressing fears for their safety following the remarks, the activists insist they will not back down from defending rights across both Kenya and Tanzania.
“We feel threatened. We know President Ruto went to get some notes from Suluhu, but it seems he’s also looking for an exit plan after 2027,” stated activist Felix Wambua.
Another John Ndegwa added, “Ruto and Suluhu did not invent ‘mikwaju.’ Our forefathers faced the same repression.”
The activists warn that the remarks point to a broader pattern of shrinking democratic space and growing intolerance for dissent in the region.
