This was mishandled from the beginning by our own authorities who are clueless how to handle issues in the Information Age. We are in the 21st Century dictated by digital skills but our rulers who by choice are still locked in the analog searching engine have not been able to overlook petty issues.
Tanzanian leadership is an anathema to advanced technological adaptations and end up making colossal errors of judgment, time and time again. What shouldn’t have been an issue has become a diplomatic flash point of sizable proportion! How pathetic, this is.
Tanzania repression has for once hit an alley. EAC activism has now exposed our own soft underbelly. The question now ought to be settled is: do CCM still believe that “all humankind are my brothers, and Africa is one?”. This principle is well ingrained in CCM’s own constitution imported from the TANU original constitution. But who cares these days about what the CCM constitution instructs? Well, I still do! Maybe, I am old school… to believe in utopian aspirations.
Kenyan Gen-Z subscribes to it, and are now living this pan africanism ideals once championed by Tanzania first president Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. This is their concerted African vision:
The perception that Kenyan Gen Z are “interfering” with Tanzania’s democracy and rule of law stems from recent cross-border activism and regional solidarity efforts, which Tanzanian authorities view as destabilizing. Here’s a breakdown of the context and dynamics:
1. Cross-Border Activism and Solidarity.
Kenyan activists, including Gen Z, have increasingly engaged in regional human rights advocacy. For instance, prominent Kenyan lawyers and former officials like Martha Karua and ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga attempted to observe the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, only to be detained and deported by Tanzanian authorities. This aligns with a broader trend of Kenyan civil society supporting democratic movements in neighboring countries, reflecting a pan-Africanist ethos. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan framed such movements as foreign interference, stating, “I will not allow activists from other countries to come here and destroy “nchi yangu” …[peace]”.
2. Digital Dissent and Regional Influence.
Kenyan Gen Z have harnessed social media to challenge authoritarianism domestically (e.g., anti-government protests in 2024) and amplify regional issues. Their use of satire, crowdfunding, and viral campaigns—such as the #FufuaICC hashtag targeting President Ruto—has set a precedent for transnational activism.
While initially not directly targeting Tanzania, their methods inspire regional youth movements, which authoritarian regimes may perceive as threats. However, after Kenyan activists were barred from entering Tanzania in order to attend Tundu Lissu trial, the Kenyan Gen-Z sensed Tanzania was overtly disrespectful of Kenyans. They had to fend off their own humiliation before their neighbours.
They did it to Diamond Platnumz when he allegedly did the same to one of their own in a concert organized in Nairobi. Didn’t they cause a stampede of “unfollowing” Platnumz’s social media accounts to protest against the belittling of Kenyans?
They demanded an official apology or hell would break loose. It is an area where Tanzanian officials and the Kenyan Gen-Z didn’t see eye to eye. Tanzania officials claimed colonial boundaries ought to be respected while the Kenyan Gen-Z wouldn’t agree. For instance, Kenyan Gen Z cited Tanzanian beggars soiling their beautiful country in particular Nairobi and Mombasa.
Kenyan Gen-Z are linking Tanzania’s beggars in their country with lack of democracy in Tanzania. The Tundu Lissu trial has sensitized average Kenyans who were oblivious of Tanzania political dispensation. Now they have come up with one finding: unless Africa is democratic Kenya cannot be democratic. For them, democracy is tied to the distribution of the national cake.
The more democracy the less economic marginalization of the weakest members of the society. They have drawn one conclusion: The plight of Tanzania beggars in Nairobi and elsewhere is caused by lack of democracy in Tanzania. Kenya, to free herself from those beggars, will need to take a direct role in democratisation of the whole East African region. It is a valid point. Africa is one and the rest against it is flowing from narcissistic considerations.
The Kenyan Gen-Z also cite Nyerere’s pan Africanist emblems for inspiration and guidance. They aver Nyerere’s idealism of “…Africa isn’t free unless the whole continent is free….” made much more sense today than yesterday. They have vowed to dissolve colonial boundaries that have deprived African youth of economic liberation, subjecting them to inexplicable penury. It is high time they begin to claim their rightful place in African narratives lest they perish of inaction, fear of reprisals and servitude. “Hatuogopi kitu…” is their reiterated theme.
CCM will need to convince them colonial imposed boundaries will make Africa great again….it is a tough sell!
3. Tanzania’s Crackdown on Opposition.
Tanzania’s government has faced criticism for stifling dissent before its 2025 elections. The deportation of Kenyan activists observing Lissu’s trial underscores its intolerance for external scrutiny. Lissu’s Chadema party has been barred from elections, and opposition gatherings are frequently disrupted, creating a climate where foreign observers are seen as exacerbating tensions. Kenyan Gen-Z now views those anti-democratic activities as threatening their own well-being. CCM says it was none of their business: they have to focus on problems in Kenya where, so far, they have recorded a dismal showing.
4. Misinterpretation of Solidarity as Interference.
Tanzanian authorities conflate Kenyan activists’ solidarity with destabilization. For example, Kenyan lawyers aiming to “observe proceedings” for Lissu were accused of meddling despite prior approval for similar activities in April 2024. Similarly, Kenyan Gen Z’s vocal criticism of regional authoritarianism—rooted in their own struggles against state repression—is misread as external agitation rather than shared advocacy for democratic norms.
Tanzania, in all fairness, is not really against Kenyan activists taking part in the Tundu Lissu trial, but it is what they normally utter before, during and after the Court proceedings. Authorities consider those utterances as part of a large stratagem to incite people to stand up against ongoing oppression. EAC activism is now a serious threat to CCM hegemony. One may accuse CCM of displaying insecurities and paranoia but it is I’m Newton’s first law of motion where this is well captured:
“Everybody continues in a state of motion or rest unless acted upon by an external force.”
EAC activism – an external force, is what Tanzania needs to wake up from her slumber, and CCM knows it fully well and trembles of its inevitable corollary.
5. Political Context and Regional Tensions.
Kenya and Tanzania have historically competed for regional supremacy. President Suluhu’s warnings reflect anxieties about Kenya’s activist culture “spilling over” into Tanzania, especially as Kenyan youth demand accountability from their own government. This tension is exacerbated by Tanzania’s restrictive laws, such as banning protests under the misplaced guise of maintaining “peace and harmony“.
Valuable Observations.
The framing of Kenyan Gen Z as “interfering” in Tanzania’s affairs is largely a narrative pushed by Tanzanian authorities to justify suppressing dissent. Kenyan activists’ regional solidarity—rooted in shared struggles for democracy—is misinterpreted as interference, highlighting broader tensions between authoritarian governance and transnational youth-led movements. For Tanzanian leaders, maintaining control requires isolating domestic opposition from external allies, even as Kenyan Gen Z continue advocating for democratic principles regionally.
CONSEQUENCES OF X BLACKOUT.
Tanzania’s decision to block access to X (formerly Twitter) following cyberattacks, including the hacking of its police force’s account, carries several economic, political, and social costs. Here’s a breakdown of the potential repercussions based on the context provided:
1. Economic Disruption and Digital Trade Loss.
Blocking X disrupts digital communication channels critical for businesses, entrepreneurs, and international trade. Social media platforms like X are often used for marketing, customer engagement, and e-commerce, particularly by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). While not explicitly quantified in this discourse, such restrictions could stifle innovation and economic growth, especially in a region where mobile technology has been pivotal for development. The broader cyberattack also highlights vulnerabilities in Tanzania’s digital infrastructure, which may deter foreign investment in its tech sector.
2. Political and Diplomatic Strains.
The incident occurred amid tensions with Kenya, including the deportation of Kenyan activists and warnings against “interference” in Tanzania’s internal affairs. Blocking X could escalate regional mistrust, particularly if perceived as part of authoritarian measures. User reactions on Facebook, such as comparing Tanzania to Uganda’s “dictatorship,” suggest reputational damage and potential alienation from democratic partners. This could affect Tanzania’s standing in international forums and partnerships.
3. Erosion of Public Trust and Transparency.
The hacked police account spread false claims about President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s death, forcing authorities to issue clarifications. While blocking X might curb misinformation temporarily, it risks fueling public scepticism toward official channels. Mobile phones and social media have historically enhanced civic engagement and government accountability in developing nations, so restricting access may undermine transparency efforts.
Ķenyan Gen-Z’s notoriety knows no bounds for placing their politicians in caskets expressing what they intensely dislike. It is no different in this matter. In the beginning, Kenyan politicians were furious but over time they have come to accept we are in the Information Age. They no longer fumes when depicted in unpalatable terms. Tanzania politicians ought to learn fast, there is very little they can do. It’s a new culture of public accountability.
President Barack Obama’s African tour is instructive in this matter when both in South Africa and Egypt said as follows:
“..in the United States of America nobody is derided more than I in the social media yet under the US constitution I must protect those who insult me in equal footing as those who speak well of me …it is a vital principle in the democratic architecture: we call it freedom of expression and speech…no matter how ugly or unacceptable it is…”
For those holding public offices must pick a leaf from the Obama counsel. Please stop blocking Internet access. Pulling the X plug only embolden those who want to discredit you. Ignoring them teaches them powerful lessons.
4. Cybersecurity Costs and Inefficiency.
Shutting down X is a reactive measure that does not address the root cause: weak cybersecurity. The police acknowledged the need to enhance digital defenses, but blocking platforms diverts resources from systemic improvements. Persistent vulnerabilities could lead to recurring attacks, requiring costly investigations and recovery efforts.
5. Impact on Information Access and Innovation.
X serves as a vital tool for real-time news, education, and activism. Restricting it limits access to global information networks, hindering educational initiatives and stifling youth engagement. For example, mobile-based platforms have transformed healthcare and agricultural practices in other regions, suggesting Tanzania’s decision could slow similar advancements.
Key Takeaways.
Tanzania’s move to block X reflects a trade-off between security and openness. While aimed at curbing disinformation, it risks economic stagnation, political isolation, and public distrust. Long-term solutions would require investing in cybersecurity infrastructure and balancing regulation with digital inclusivity.
Tanzania’s law minister’s blatant misinformation.
Our law minister justified the unjustifiable. This is what he had fabricated:
“Jana, Mheshimiwa Rais alizungumzia suala hili kwa ustarabu mkubwa. Lakini sisi wengine ustarabu siku nyingine huwa tunaacha nyumbani. Wapo ndugu zetu kutoka Kenya walizuiliwa kwenye Uwanja wa Ndege wakidai wamekuja kushiriki katika kesi ya Tundu Lissu kwa ajili ya kutetea haki za binadamu….
…..Mimi ni mwanasheria, na kwa uelewa wangu wa kitaaluma, watu hao hawakuwa na leseni ya kufanya kazi ya uwakili hapa. Hivyo, walichokuja kufanya ni uvunjifu wa sheria. Mbaya zaidi, huko kwao wameshindwa kushughulikia matatizo yao, lakini wanataka kuingilia ya kwetu – hiyo ni aina ya unafiki,” amesema kwa msisitizo.
…Watanzania hatutaki unafiki katika eneo la haki za binadamu. Kama taifa, tupo vizuri katika hilo, na ninaunga mkono kauli ya Mheshimiwa Rais,” Closed Mr Ndumbaro.
The Kenyan activists came to oversee the Tundu Lissu trial and were never contracted to defend him. Lissu never sought or was asked to consider their legal services. So the rest of Mr. Ndumbaro arguments should fall flat as misleading and untruthful.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
