Kenyans have once again stood in solidarity with Tanzanians as they condemn the just concluded General Election and the violence reported in its aftermath.
Public figures, especially from Kenya, mobilised their followers to call out Bongo movie actress Wema Sepetu after she publicly expressed support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan amid heightened tension in Tanzania.
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 8, Wema took to Instagram where she posted a photo of Samia Suluhu in prayer, accompanied by a message an encouraging message as she praised her leadership.
ALSO READ: Tanzania imposes nationwide curfew following violent election day
The actress referred to the Tanzanian President as “Tanzania’s number one,” writing:
“Number moja wetu…. Allah akubariki na akupe nguvu na ujasiri.”
It remains unclear what prompted Wema’s post, but it quickly sparked backlash from both Kenyan and Tanzanian celebrities alongside thousands of social media users who criticised her timing and insensitivity.
Kenyan public figures, including Alex Mwakideu and Daddy Owen, flooded her comment section, accusing her of lacking emotional intelligence at a time when many citizens were grieving.
Several critics questioned her morality and judgment, arguing that the post was not only ill-timed but dismissive of the ongoing pain in the country.
In the aftermath, Wema was heavily trolled online and reportedly unfollowed by thousands of fans who felt betrayed by her stance.
Many labeled her a traitor for appearing to support a leader accused of overseeing a disputed election and alleged deadly crackdown on civilians.
ALSO READ: Tanzania Election: Protestors blaze rapper Billnass’ phone shop after voting for Suluhu Hassan
Some of the reactions included:
Daddy Owen wrote:
“Wisdom is knowing when to speak, and grace is knowing when not to. People may forget your words, but they will always remember how your timing made them feel.”
Alex Mwakideu questioned:
“Jamani Wema, hivi umesahau kwamba uko na ufuasi mkubwa tu unaomboleza kwa sasa?”
Sandra Dacha stated:
“YOU ARE A TOTAL SHAME TO THE PEOPLE OF TANZANIA. My condolences to the bereaved. Mungu awape nguvu jamani majirani zetu. We are bleeding with you.”
Jacky Vike added:
“SMH… HE WHO ALLOWS OPPRESSION SHARES THE CRIME!!! My condolences to the families that lost their loved ones. Poleni sana. May all the heroes who died fighting for Tanzania rest in peace. Najua utaniblock juu hampendi ukweli.”
Another commenter, Sabrih Store, simply urged:
“UNFOLLOW TAFADHALI.”
Chaos erupted in several parts of Tanzania on October 29 during the General Election, with opposition leaders accusing President Samia of overseeing a sham process, election rigging, and the killing of innocent citizens.
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