Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is facing strong backlash from human rights activists after her recent comments on handling youth-led protests in the region. The Kenya Human Rights Commission has publicly condemned her for encouraging authorities to “crack the whip”—both figuratively and literally—against activists and Gen Z protesters who oppose the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments.

According to rights defenders, Samia’s statements endorse repression across East Africa and threaten hard-won democratic freedoms. Activists have responded with defiance. Geoffrey Mboya stated, “We are not intimidated by your threats of cross-border violence. We will keep defending our hard-earned rights and whatever democracy remains.” Another activist, Deus Kanyesigye, said, “The groundwork for more violence is being laid. We remain resolute in our struggle for our people.”

Critics argue that Samia’s remarks add insult to injury, even as post-election tensions remain high. Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has now been held in prolonged detention for over a year, fueling concerns over political oppression. The arrest and alleged torture of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire last year have also cast a shadow over Samia’s leadership, raising fears that civic space is shrinking.

Kenyan activists have vowed to continue defending Tanzanians’ rights, accusing Samia’s government of brutality after Tanzania’s 2025 presidential elections. A commission of inquiry reported that 518 people died in post-election unrest. Cornelius Oduor, Deputy Director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission, said, “We will keep standing with our brothers oppressed in their own country, and we need no one’s permission to do so.”

Although activists express concern for their safety following Samia’s remarks, they insist they will not retreat from defending rights in both Kenya and Tanzania. Activist Felix Wambua commented, “We do feel threatened. We know President Ruto went to take notes from Suluhu, but it seems he’s also looking for a way out after 2027.” Another activist, John Ndegwa, added, “Ruto and Suluhu didn’t invent ‘mikwaju.’ Our forefathers faced the same kind of repression.”

Ultimately, the activists warn that Samia’s comments reflect a broader trend of narrowing democratic space and rising intolerance toward dissent in the region.