Tanzania’s Iringa Town MP Jesca Msambatavangu has addressed a surge of messages from Kenyans following her comments regarding the detention and deportation of two East African activists.
The backlash ensued after Tanzanian lawmakers defended President Samia Suluhu Hassan in light of increasing criticism from Kenyans concerning the treatment of activists within the nation.
In reaction, numerous Kenyans on the social media platform X shared the contact information of lawmakers and sent messages to voice their discontent.
Msambatavangu, however, expressed her appreciation for the engagement, disclosing that she stayed up late conversing with Kenyans.
“I thank our Kenyan brothers and sisters. We were chatting until 3 a.m. before I paused to attend parliamentary duties,” she stated. “Once I’m free, we’ll continue the discussion.”
She urged the Kenyan youth, especially those from Generation Z, to establish a WhatsApp group for more effective communication and assured them of her participation in a live session on Saturday.
“To those praising or criticizing us, we must counter ideas with ideas,” she remarked. “Kenyans are our neighbors, our brothers, and we cannot ignore each other.”
Her comments follow a vigorous debate in Tanzania’s Parliament on Monday, where Geita MP Joseph Musukuma accused Kenyans of meddling in Tanzanian matters and disrespecting national sovereignty.
“We are far ahead of them politically and intellectually. We excel in everything. Speaking good English isn’t a priority for us,” Musukuma stated, dismissing Kenyan criticism as mere online noise.
The controversy originates from the May 18 arrest and deportation of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire.
The two were in Tanzania to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. They were reportedly detained without communication, mistreated, and deported—triggering widespread condemnation throughout East Africa and beyond.
As tensions escalate, Msambatavangu’s appeal for dialogue seems to adopt a gentler, more diplomatic approach, even as others within Tanzania’s political sphere adopt a more stringent stance.
