Tanzania Police Force X Account Hacked, Posts False Death News of President Suluhu Amid Rising Tensions with Kenyan Activists

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – May 20, 2025 – The official X account of the Tanzania Police Force (@tanpol) was hacked today, spreading false claims about the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The breach, which included inflammatory posts about opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s arrest and demands for free elections, comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions with Kenya following the deportation of Kenyan activists attempting to observe Lissu’s treason trial on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Tanzanian authorities have confirmed the hack, removed the posts, and launched an investigation into the cyberattack.

The unauthorized posts, which appeared early Tuesday at around 3:43 AM local time, falsely announced President Suluhu’s death and referenced the detention of Tundu Lissu, leader of the opposition Chadema party, alongside hashtags like #SamiaMustGo and #TanzaniaCrisis.

The posts also claimed unrest in Dar es Salaam, fueling confusion and alarm across social media. Tanzanian officials quickly clarified that President Suluhu is alive and well, labeling the hack a deliberate attempt to destabilize the nation.

“The Tanzania Police Force’s X account was compromised by malicious actors,” said a Ministry of Information spokesperson. “We urge citizens to rely on verified sources and remain calm.”

This incident follows a turbulent day of diplomatic friction between Tanzania and Kenya.

On Monday, May 19, 2025, Tanzanian authorities detained and deported several prominent Kenyan activists and legal figures who had traveled to Dar es Salaam to show solidarity with Tundu Lissu during his court appearance on treason charges.

Among those deported were former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and activists Hanifa Adan, Hussein Khalid, Lynn Ngugi, and Gloria Kimani.

The group was stopped at Julius Nyerere International Airport, with some detained for hours without clear explanation before being sent back to Nairobi.

Another activist, Boniface Mwangi, reported being confronted by individuals claiming to be police at his Dar es Salaam hotel on Sunday night, though he avoided deportation by refusing to comply until lawyers intervened.

President Suluhu addressed the deportations during a public event on Monday, issuing a stern warning to foreign activists against “interfering” in Tanzania’s internal affairs.

Speaking at the launch of Tanzania’s new Foreign Policy at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre, she accused regional activists of attempting to disrupt the country’s peace.

“We’ve started seeing a trend where activists from our region are beginning to invade and interfere in our affairs,” Suluhu said.

“If they’ve been controlled in their own countries, they should not come and destroy us here. The country that remains unspoiled is ours.” She urged security agencies to remain vigilant, emphasizing that Tanzania would not tolerate “ill-mannered individuals” crossing its borders to cause disorder.

The deported Kenyans, including Karua and Mutunga, condemned Tanzania’s actions as a violation of the East African Community (EAC) treaty, which promotes free movement and regional cooperation. Karua, speaking to Kenyan broadcaster NTV, called the deportations politically motivated and an attempt to suppress support for Lissu’s trial.

“The state cannot be used as a personal tool. You cannot deport people whom you don’t like, who are not aligned to your views,” she said.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei also urged Tanzania to release the detained activists and uphold EAC principles, though Tanzanian authorities have not publicly responded to these demands.

Lissu, charged with treason in April 2025 for allegedly inciting rebellion against the upcoming October general elections, appeared in court on Monday under heavy security.

His Chadema party has been disqualified from the elections after demanding electoral reforms, intensifying political tensions.

Supporters gathered outside the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, chanting “No Reforms, No Election,” as Lissu raised his fist in defiance, reassuring them, “We will be fine. You should not fear.”

The case was adjourned to June 2, 2025, as investigations continue.

Notably, former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga was allowed to attend the hearing, in contrast to his deported counterparts, raising questions about selective enforcement.

The hack and the deportations underscore Tanzania’s volatile political climate ahead of the 2025 elections.

Critics, including Lissu, accuse President Suluhu of backsliding on democratic reforms promised after she assumed power in 2021 following John Magufuli’s death.

Recent events, including the abduction and murder of Chadema official Ali Kibao and arrests of opposition figures, have fueled concerns about a return to authoritarian tactics.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania Police Force is working with cybersecurity experts to investigate the X account breach, with early indications suggesting an external cyberattack aimed at exploiting political tensions.

Public sentiment on X reflects growing unease, with users like @bizy94 warning of a “Tanzania Crisis” and questioning whether Suluhu will “flee or fight” as regional scrutiny intensifies.

Kenyan activists protested outside the Tanzanian Embassy in Nairobi on Monday, demanding an apology for the deportations and assurances that such incidents will not recur.

As Tanzania navigates this dual crisis of cybersecurity and diplomatic strain, the international community watches closely, with Lissu’s trial seen as a litmus test for democratic freedoms.

Authorities have called for calm and are urging the public to avoid sharing unverified information.

This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as new details emerge.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​