Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is facing intense backlash after publicly mourning people who were killed during election violence.
In her maiden address at the opening of the 13th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania on Friday, November 14, President Samia expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and injuries reported during the recently concluded elections.
The Head of State used the occasion to call for calm as she pledged decisive action, noting that she was deeply pained by the loss of life.
She also requested members of parliament and invited guests to stand for a minute of silence in honour of the victims.
President Samia offered heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones and extended prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.
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She further urged resilience among citizens whose properties were destroyed during the unrest.
“I personally have been deeply saddened by that incident. I offer condolences to all the families that lost their loved ones. And we ask Almighty God, as we prayed, to grant them peace. We also pray for the injured to recover quickly. And for those who lost their property, we ask them to remain patient and resilient,” she said.
As earlier reported by Nairobi News, the three-day protests, which erupted on election day, Wednesday, October 29, resulted in deaths, injuries, and widespread chaos, sparked by allegations of electoral irregularities and government repression.
In addition to fatalities and injuries, the unrest left several people missing and saw more than 600 youths arrested and charged with various crimes, including treason.
Addressing the crackdown, President Samia announced an amnesty for youths arrested during the protests, noting that some were unaware of the consequences of their actions.
WATCH SAMIA HASSAN’S ADDRESS BELOW:
She directed legal institutions, particularly the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, to review the nature of the charges and drop those against individuals who did not intend to commit criminal offences.
“Many young people who were arrested and charged with treason did not know what they were doing. As a mother and guardian of this nation, I direct the legal institutions to look into the extent of the crimes they committed, and for those who did not intend to commit crimes, their crimes should be erased,” she stated.
The President also announced that her government will form a special commission of inquiry to investigate the incidents and provide recommendations.
The commission, she said, will examine the root causes of the violence to guide future discussions aimed at reconciliation and peace.
“The government has taken the step of forming a commission of inquiry to investigate what happened so that we understand the root of the problem. That report will guide us as we move towards discussions aimed at bringing understanding,” she said.
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Her remarks, however, sparked widespread criticism from both Tanzanians and Kenyans, with many taking to social media to accuse her of hypocrisy and insincerity.
Below are some reactions from Kenyans:
Azaransari7307 said:
“What a joke? Kuua uue wewe halafu uunde tume wewe.”
SeciliaKomba-d4g wrote:
“Mmmmh mh! Tutaona mengi.”
Geraldomondi9030 posted:
“Shetani kaongea.”
Dominicmosh648 said:
“Kila kitu kina mwisho.”
Millicentaseyo stated:
“I can’t listen to these criminals. Too much lies with her son. Your days are numbered.”
HillaryChulla commented:
“Duniani tunapita tu.”
Mrfamilia.creative added:
“Khaa!!! Dunia hadaa ulimwengu shujaa. Eti Serikali imechukua hatua kuunda tume!!! Tume which? Ama kweli kipofu kumuadisia story ya kiwete.”
The latest development comes barely a fortnight after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for a second term following an election marred by allegations of vote rigging, deadly protests, and a nationwide internet shutdown that crippled communication.
Samia’s inauguration took place on Monday, November 3, at the national military parade grounds in Dodoma under tight security.
The ceremony was closed to the public, with attendance restricted to government officials, diplomats, and military officers. It was broadcast live on the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).
Suluhu, who was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, took the oath of office before Chief Justice George Masaju, pledging to protect the Constitution and serve all Tanzanians faithfully.
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