Bongo movie star Wema Sepetu has once again angered Tanzanians, and a large section of Kenyans after publicly supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s stern warning against citizens planning nationwide protests on December 9.
As earlier reported by Nairobi News, President Samia issued a firm caution to groups mobilising for mass action, vowing that her administration would not tolerate unrest following the country’s contentious October 25 General Election.
Civil society organisations and members of the public have been rallying for fresh demonstrations to express their dissatisfaction with the government.
ALSO READ: Tanzanian and Kenyan celebrities gang up against Wema Sepetu after posting Samia Suluhu’s photo
Organisers have designated December 9, Tanzania’s Independence Day, as the date for the anticipated mass action, Nairobi News understands.
Speaking at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) while addressing Dar es Salaam elders, President Samia emphasised that although her government is open to dialogue, it will not operate under threats or ultimatums.
She warned protest planners not to mistake the government’s willingness to engage as a sign of weakness.
Samia noted that security agencies remain on high alert and prepared to quell any attempt at civil disturbance, saying the government “does not take instructions or conditions from anyone.”
“In words, we hear that something else is being planned, but that will pass. I heard someone say, ‘Let’s not wait for Christmas.’ I want to tell them, whenever they come, we are prepared,” she said.
Her remarks sparked outrage across social media, with many Tanzanians and international observers criticising what they viewed as an increasingly authoritarian stance.
But in a move that shocked many, Wema Sepetu publicly endorsed the President’s warning.
Just hours after Samia’s announcement, Wema posted the President’s photo on Instagram, captioning it:
“Whoooooooo…..? Watujibu kwanza….Who are Theeeeeeey…..”
Her post immediately provoked a storm of backlash, with netizens accusing her of insensitivity and blindly supporting a leader they claim has been linked to deadly election-related violence.
Below are some of the reactions:
Carolin_Muthoni wrote:
“Dwanzi kweli… Iyo caption yako imeniboo. Goodbye!”
Rahabu Steven said:
“Kwa kuwa hujaenda labda huwezi elewa machungu wanayopitia waliouliwa watoto wao.”
Franklyn Cesc posted:
“Ku unfollow Wema Sepetu LETS DOOOO THIS!!”
Erick Omtere Official stated:
“Wewe umechizi.”
Jayone TL added:
“Leo natembeza unfollow sijui nyie huko.”
Hanifa Ibra wrote:
“Wema hajaficha uchi na hajazaa… Huyo ni Iddi Amin Mama.”
This is not the first time Wema has found herself at the centre of online fury over her loyalty to President Samia.
Just recently, the actress was heavily criticised after posting a photo of the Head of State in prayer, accompanied by a glowing message praising her leadership.
In her post dated November 8, Wema described Samia as “Tanzania’s number one,” saying:
“Number moja wetu… Allah akubariki na akupe nguvu na ujasiri.”
ALSO READ: Tumejipanga: President Suluhu threatens to deal with Tanzanians planning December 9 protests
Although it remains unclear what prompted her message, it quickly attracted condemnation from Kenyan and Tanzanian celebrities, including Alex Mwakideu and Daddy Owen, who accused her of poor judgment during a period 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. Many labeled her a “traitor,” accusing her of siding with a leader they believe oversaw a disputed election and an alleged deadly suppression of protesters.
Wema has not publicly responded to the renewed criticism.
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