“Kenya Mkona Shida Ya Afya Ya Akili”: Tanzanian MPs Launch Scathing Attack on Kenyans Over Suluhu Criticism

Tanzanian parliamentarians have unleashed a blistering verbal assault on Kenyans, dismissing critics of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as mentally unstable while defending her controversial handling of two East African activists who were detained and allegedly tortured before deportation.

The extraordinary parliamentary outburst came during budget debates as lawmakers rallied behind their president amid growing regional and international condemnation over the treatment of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan human rights defender Agather Atuhaire.

Geita MP Joseph Musukuma led the charge with inflammatory rhetoric that laid bare the diplomatic tensions now straining Kenya-Tanzania relations.

“We are far ahead of them politically and intellectually. We top in everything. Speaking good English isn’t a priority for us,” Musukuma declared, in what appeared to be a direct swipe at Kenya’s perceived superiority complex.

The MP accused Kenyans of “disrespecting Tanzanian sovereignty” and “meddling in domestic affairs,” insisting Tanzania had every right to defend its national interests regardless of regional criticism.

Women Representative Felista Deogratius Njau took aim at Kenyan social media users, condemning the use of artificial intelligence to create mocking images of President Suluhu.

“How can they bully our President Samia Suluhu Hassan? I condemn this behaviour because it is not acceptable in the community. Our President must be respected, not bullied,” she said.

The diplomatic crisis erupted following the May 18 detention of Mwangi and Atuhaire, who had traveled to Tanzania to observe the trial of opposition politician Tundu Lissu.

Both activists were reportedly held incommunicado, allegedly tortured, and then forcibly deported—sparking outrage across East Africa and beyond.

Atuhaire, a previous recipient of the U.S. State Department’s “International Women of Courage” award, has alleged sexual assault during her detention, adding another disturbing dimension to an already explosive situation.

International pressure mounts

The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from global human rights organizations and the United States government.

The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs expressed “deep concern” over the activists’ treatment, calling for “an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses.”

Amnesty International similarly demanded accountability for what it termed the “arbitrary arrest, torture, incommunicado detention, and forcible deportation” of the two activists.

Despite mounting pressure, Tanzanian MPs showed no signs of backing down.

Bunda MP Boniphace Mwita Getere justified President Suluhu’s actions by invoking her constitutional duties.

“She is not just a calm leader. She is the Commander-in-Chief, and when our country is threatened, she takes action,” he stated.

The parliamentary defense comes as anti-riot police were deployed at the Tanzanian embassy in Nairobi, with activists threatening demonstrations demanding accountability for the activists’ treatment.

The escalating row threatens to undermine East African Community unity at a time when regional integration efforts require unprecedented cooperation.

The inflammatory rhetoric from Tanzanian lawmakers risks further isolating the country diplomatically, even as some observers suggest the controversy may actually strengthen President Suluhu’s domestic standing.

As one Tanzanian commenter noted online, “These insults by Kenyans on media has now united all Tanzanians behind their president,” highlighting how the crisis may have unintended political consequences across the region.

The standoff represents a significant test for East African diplomatic relations, with the treatment of the two activists becoming a litmus test for the region’s commitment to human rights and democratic values.

As international pressure continues to build, President Suluhu faces a critical choice between maintaining her hardline stance or seeking de-escalation to preserve Tanzania’s regional relationships.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​