Africa-Press – Tanzania. Tanzania’s Iringa Town MP Jesca Msambatavangu has responded to a wave of messages from Kenyans following her remarks on the detention and deportation of two East African activists.
The backlash comes after Tanzanian lawmakers defended President Samia Suluhu Hassan against growing criticism from Kenyans over the treatment of activists in the country.
In response, many Kenyans on social media platform X shared lawmakers’ contacts and sent messages to express their disapproval.
Msambatavangu, however, welcomed the engagement, revealing 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 said. “Once I’m free, we’ll continue the discussion.”
She encouraged the Kenyan youth, particularly Gen Zs, to create a WhatsApp group for smoother communication and promised to engage them in a live session on Saturday.
“To those praising or criticising us, we must counter ideas with ideas,” she added. “Kenyans are our neighbours, our brothers, and we cannot ignore each other.”
Her remarks follow a heated debate in Tanzania’s Parliament on Monday, where Geita MP Joseph Musukuma accused Kenyans of interfering in Tanzanian affairs and disrespecting national sovereignty.
“We are far ahead of them politically and intellectually. We top in everything. Speaking good English isn’t a priority for us,” Musukuma said, dismissing Kenyan criticism as online noise.
The controversy stems 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—sparking widespread condemnation across East Africa and internationally.
As tensions rise, Msambatavangu’s call for dialogue appears to strike a softer, more diplomatic tone, even as others in Tanzania’s political class take a harder stance
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