Bongo Movies actress Wema Sepetu has reportedly gone into hiding in South Africa as tensions rise in Tanzania ahead of the planned December 9 nationwide protest.
For some time, Wema has faced intense backlash from both Tanzanians and Kenyans after openly expressing her unwavering support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
A section of netizens has repeatedly criticised the actress online, accusing her of being a “Samia sympathizer,” with some going as far as issuing threats against her.
Amid the escalating tension in Tanzania, Wema is said to have fled to South Africa, where she is currently staying as the country braces for the December 9 demonstrations.
News of her presence in South Africa was first made public by Tanzanian rapper Young Lunya, who unexpectedly bumped into her in Johannesburg.
In a now expired Instagram Stories update, Lunya shared a video showing Wema being driven along a Jozi street, confirming her sudden appearance in the country.
ALSO READ: Wema Sepetu sparks outrage after defending Samia Hassan’s threat against protestors
It remains unclear why Lunya was in South Africa, but the unexpected encounter appeared to excite him, prompting him to share the moment with his followers online.
Shortly after the video surfaced, Tanzanians flocked to social media to criticise Wema once again, questioning why she had gone into hiding despite being a prominent supporter of President Samia.
Many vowed that her relocation would not stop them from calling her out.
The latest development comes just days after Wema drew fresh criticism for supporting President Samia Suluhu’s stern warning against Tanzanians planning to take to the streets on December 9.
Samia’s remarks triggered widespread outrage across social media, with Tanzanians and international observers accusing her of adopting an increasingly authoritarian stance.
As earlier reported by Nairobi News, Wema publicly endorsed the President’s warning.
Hours after Samia’s statement, she posted the President’s photo on Instagram, writing:
“Whoooooooo…..? Watujibu kwanza…. Who are Theeeeeeey…..”
Her post ignited a fierce backlash, with critics accusing her of insensitivity and blind loyalty to a leader they believe has overseen deadly election-related violence.
ALSO READ: Tanzanian and Kenyan celebrities gang up against Wema Sepetu after posting Samia Suluhu’s photo
This was not the first time the actress found herself at the centre of online fury over her allegiance to President Samia.
Recently, Wema faced heavy criticism for posting a photo of the Head of State in prayer, accompanied by a glowing message praising her leadership.
In her November 8 post, she described Samia as “Tanzania’s number one,” writing:
“Number moja wetu… Allah akubariki na akupe nguvu na ujasiri.”
Although the intention behind her message remained unclear, it quickly drew condemnation from Kenyan and Tanzanian celebrities, including Alex Mwakideu and Daddy Owen who faulted her for poor judgment during a moment of national tension and mourning.
Critics argued that her timing was insensitive and dismissive of the pain many citizens were experiencing following allegations of a violent crackdown on dissent.
The backlash was so intense that Wema reportedly lost thousands of followers within hours, with many branding her a “traitor” and accusing her of siding with a leader they believe oversaw a disputed election and the alleged deadly suppression of protesters.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
